What's a heat pump and is my home eligible?
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a highly efficient, renewable heating system powered by electricity. Instead of burning fossil fuels, it extracts heat from the air, ground, or water and upgrades it to a temperature suitable for heating your home and hot water.
Think of it as a refrigerator in reverse, pulling heat from outside and moving it indoors. Heat pumps can dramatically reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions, especially in well‑insulated homes.
Increased grant amounts
From 3 February 2026, the Heat Pump System grant increased from a maximum of €6,500 up to €12,500. This change is part of a wider package of enhanced energy‑efficiency grants, including the new windows and doors grant.
The total support available, up to €12,500, is made up of three separate grants:
| Grant Type | Amount | What It Covers |
| Heat Pump System | Up to €6,500 | Installation of the heat pump system |
| Central Heating Upgrades | Up to €2,000 | New radiators, underfloor heating, or other required upgrades |
| Renewable Heat Bonus | €4,000 | For replacing an existing oil, gas, solid‑fuel, or electric storage heating system with a heat pump |
Who can apply?
A wide range of property owners are eligible, including:
- Homeowners (owner‑occupiers)
- Companies, including owner‑management companies
- Registered charities
- Holiday home owners
- Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs)
- Private and commercial landlords
Your home must have an MPRN and must have been built and occupied before 2021.
Is my home eligible?
Heat pumps perform best in well‑insulated homes. Whether you need additional insulation depends largely on when your home was built:
Homes built from 2007 onwards
These homes typically meet modern insulation standards. They are usually heat‑pump ready and do not require a technical assessment before applying for the grant.
Homes built before 2007
Older homes may need insulation upgrades first. A technical assessment is required unless you already have a valid BER certificate showing that your insulation meets the required standard.
An SEAI‑registered technical advisor can assess your home and outline any improvements needed to make it suitable for a heat pump.
Learn more about the grant (opens in a new tab)Get your home ready for a heat pump
With oil and gas prices continuing to rise, switching to a renewable heating system is becoming a smart long‑term investment. If you live in an older home with an aging boiler, upgrading your insulation now is a great first step. When the time comes to replace your heating system, your home will already be prepared for a heat pump, and you’ll be able to take full advantage of the available grants.
