R290 High Temperature Heat Pump Pilot
This pilot is aimed at installing R290 high temperature heat pumps (HTHP) in 100 homes to evaluate system performance, energy use, indoor comfort levels and heating patterns.
What is a high temperature heat pump?
And why are they important
A high temperature heat pump (HTHP) works in the same way as any other heat pump but delivers heat at a higher temperature that can be used in existing central heating systems.
HTHPs can operate at temperatures similar to traditional boilers, which means:
- They can be suitable for homes with existing radiators and pipework
- They may reduce the need for other energy upgrades before installation
- They are expected to become standard in the market within the next five years
Purpose of this pilot
Why now?
SEAI have decided to run this pilot scheme as market trends and developments in technology show that most heat pumps sold in the next five years are expected to be capable of high temperatures.
Testing HTHPs now allows us to:
- Better understand their performance in Irish homes
- Gather insights into cost, efficiency, and retrofit requirements
- Inform future policy and grant schemes
The pilot aims to collect data on system performance, energy use, indoor comfort levels and heating patterns. This data will help assess the overall efficiency, running costs and performance of HTHPs for different home types.
Homes suitable for this pilot
The pilot is particularly interested in:
- Homes built and occupied before 2011
- Homes installing a high temperature heat pump with R290 refrigerant (propane)
- Homes with higher heat loss that may not currently qualify for existing heat pump grants
- Older homes where high temperature operation could reduce the need for extensive upgrades
- Homes with Broadband availability
How will the pilot be delivered?
- The pilot will be delivered through our Registered One Stop Shops under the National Home Energy Upgrade scheme. We encourage One Stop Shops to discuss this option with suitable homeowners.
- The pilot will be open for applications for 9 months to allow for performance data to be monitored over the 2026/2027 winter season.
- We estimate 100 high temperature heat pumps will be installed under this pilot.