How to plan a whole-home energy upgrade in Ireland
Source reviewed with 3 external references. How we review guides
A whole-home energy upgrade can combine attic or wall insulation, windows, heating controls, a heat pump, solar PV or other measures. The best sequence depends on the house, its current Building Energy Rating (BER), ventilation and heating system. Installing one measure in isolation can produce disappointing results if the underlying heat loss or moisture risk is ignored.
This guide helps you prepare a request for an energy professional, understand the role of a BER and avoid starting grant-supported work before the required approval is in place.
Start with the house, not the product
Describe the home and its current performance: approximate construction year, BER if known, heating fuel, attic and wall type, window condition, cold rooms, condensation, draughts and energy bills. Include photos of the attic, boiler, meter and external walls when they help explain the problem.
- State whether the goal is lower bills, warmer rooms, a planned heating change or a better BER.
- Mention extensions, solid walls, protected structures or previous insulation work.
- Record the number of occupants and hot-water habits where relevant to heating design.
- Say whether the property will be occupied during the works and whether access is available to all areas.
Ask for a joined-up plan
Ask the professional to explain the recommended order of measures and the assumptions behind it. A useful plan should discuss ventilation, moisture, heat loss, heating controls and the effect of each measure on the next one.
For a larger retrofit, ask whether you need a home energy assessment, BER assessment, technical survey or One Stop Shop. Do not accept a promised BER result without a properly supported assessment.
SEAI grants and timing
SEAI offers different home energy upgrade options, including individual grants and fully managed upgrade routes. Eligibility and grant amounts depend on the measure and the home. Check the current SEAI requirements for your project and obtain approval before starting work where the scheme requires it; do not rely on an old social-media post or an installer’s informal estimate.
- Ask which exact SEAI measure and grant route the quote relates to.
- Confirm whether the contractor is registered for the relevant work.
- Ask whether the grant is paid to you later or deducted upfront through a managed route.
- Keep the approval, contract, invoices, declarations and post-works BER documents.
- Treat grant eligibility as separate from the quality and value of the private quote.
Compare energy-upgrade proposals
Ask each provider to list the measure, specification, expected disruption, ventilation implications, warranty, maintenance, grant assumptions and total price before and after any assumed grant. Avoid comparing a detailed whole-home proposal with a product-only price.
- Check insulation thickness, product type, thermal targets and preparation work.
- For windows and doors, compare glazing, frame specification, installation and making good.
- For heat pumps, ask about heat-loss calculations, emitters, hot water and electrical requirements.
- For solar PV, ask about roof condition, shading, inverter, battery assumptions and monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a BER before planning energy upgrades?+
It depends on the measure and grant route. A BER or technical assessment may be needed to establish the starting point and plan the works, so check the current SEAI requirements before committing.
Can I start work before a grant is approved?+
Do not assume you can. SEAI states that grant approval must be in place before starting works for the relevant scheme. Check the current terms for your application.
Should I insulate before changing the heating system?+
Often the building fabric and heat loss should be assessed first, but the correct sequence depends on the house. Ask an energy professional to explain the order rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule.
Sources and editorial notes
Numbered references link claims in this guide to the sources below. Sources were accessed during the article's research or latest material review.
- [1] SEAI: Home energy upgrades and grants
- [2] SEAI: Find a registered professional
- [3] SEAI: Support for individual grant applications
Official guidance and further reading
These links are further reading and do not substantiate every estimate above.
Ready to describe your project?
Tell us about your insulation job and compare free quotes from interested local professionals. You can also browse insulation professionals.