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Irish Home Energy Grants: Windows, Doors, Insulation & Heat Pumps Explained

by Marcus Liu - Business Editor March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026 0 comments

Home Energy Upgrade Grants: Windows, Doors, Insulation & Heat Pumps – 2026 Guide

As spring approaches, many homeowners are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes. Fortunately, a range of government incentives are available to help offset the costs of upgrades, with new schemes offering financial support for windows and doors for the first time.

Window Replacement Grants: How Much Can You Get?

Previously, homeowners could only receive funding for window replacements as part of a full property retrofit. Now, separate grants are available. The maximum grant amounts vary based on property type:

Detached Property: Up to €4,000
Semi-Detached/End-Terrace: Up to €3,000
Mid-Terrace: Up to €1,800
Apartment: Up to €1,500

These grants are designed to cover approximately 30% of the costs of new windows and doors, meaning homeowners can expect to pay upwards of €12,000 for new windows in a detached property.

Eligibility Requirements for Window Grants

To qualify for a window grant, homeowners typically need to meet the following criteria:

Full Window Replacement: The scheme generally requires upgrading all existing single- or double-glazed windows to high-performing windows. Although complete replacement isn’t always enforced, the average heat loss through windows after the upgrade should achieve an average U-value of 1.4.
Adequate Insulation: Homes must have adequate attic and wall insulation. Proof of previous SEAI grants for insulation, a “good” or “very good” rating on a Building Energy Rating (BER) advisory report, or a pre-works BER assessment can demonstrate adequate insulation. A BER assessment typically costs between €200-€300.

Grants for Doors

Grants are also available for new doors, up to €800 per door, with a maximum of €1,600 available for two doors. These can be applied for simultaneously with window grants or separately.

Wall and Attic Insulation Grants

Expanded grants are available for improving wall and attic insulation:

Cavity Wall Insulation: From €700 (apartment) to €1,800 (detached property) – covering around 80% of market costs.
Attic Insulation: From €1,100 (apartment) to €2,000 (detached property) – also covering approximately 80% of market costs.

First-Time Buyer Incentives

First-time buyers purchasing homes built before 2011 can claim €2,500 back on the cost of attic insulation, potentially covering 100% of the costs.

Heat Pump Grants

Grants for heat pump installations have significantly increased, now totaling up to €12,500. This includes:

Up to €6,500 for the heat pump system itself.
Up to €2,000 for upgrade works like new radiators or underfloor heating.
A €4,000 Renewable Heat Bonus for those replacing oil/gas boilers, solid fuel systems, or electric storage heating.

The median cost for installing a heat pump is approximately €16,000-€17,000, leaving a net cost of around €3,500-€4,000.

Fully Funded Insulation for Social Welfare Recipients

Homeowners on qualifying social welfare payments (fuel allowance, job seeker’s allowance with a child under seven, one-parent family payment, domiciliary care allowance) who own and live in a home built before 2006 can receive fully funded attic and cavity-wall insulation.

Applying for Grants: Pay First or Grant First?

Homeowners can either pay for the work upfront and claim the grant upon completion (by appointing a registered contractor) or choose a “one-stop shop” where the grant is deducted from the bill.

Financing Options

While personal loans are an option, the SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme offers loans from around 3% for borrowings between €5,000-€75,000. However, this scheme requires the upgrades to result in a minimum 20% improvement in Building Energy Rating (BER).

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