You may be eligible for receiving meaningful upgrades to your home, free of charge. Read through the guidance notes below and if you think this may apply to you, make an online application today.

Fully Funded Energy Upgrade Logos

 

SEAI Fully Funded Energy Upgrades, comprising the Warmer Homes Scheme, is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western and Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programmes 2021-27.

Couple embracing in their home

About the scheme

We deliver fully funded energy upgrades to homeowners who receive the following welfare payments:

  • Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme.
  • Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age
  • Working Family Payment
  • One-Parent Family Payment
  • Domiciliary Care Allowance
  • Carers Allowance and live with the person you are caring for
  • Disability Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age

Recent announcements:

If you are in receipt of any of the above welfare entitlements, you can now check your eligibility for the scheme using our new online application feature. Applicants can still apply using the paper-based application pathway. You should refer to SEAI's privacy notices prior to making your online application.

Applicants may now apply online here.

Waiting Times:

It is important to be aware that it may take more than a 2-year waiting time before your home is completed. Applications are dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis. The following are the current approximate wait times for each stage of the application process.

  •  Pre-works BER* - Approx 8 - 10 months from application
  •  Survey - Approx 14 months from application
  •  Works Completed - Approx. 24 - 26 months from application
  •  Post works BER/Inspection - Approx. 2-3 months after works completed.

*All homes participating on the programme must have a BER in place. If you do not have a valid BER in place, SEAI will carry one out for you in advance of works taking place. This may impact waiting times for applicants.

Funding

SEAI's Fully Funded Energy Upgrades are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western and Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programmes 2021-27.

 

How the service works

  1. Read through the guidance notes here and if you think this may apply to you, make an online application here
  2. If you do not have a valid BER in place, SEAI will carry out a pre-works BER at no cost to you
  3. If you are eligible, an SEAI surveyor surveys your home to make upgrade recommendations
  4. A contractor is appointed from SEAI's panel to carry out the upgrade works
  5. After the works are completed our energy assessment team will carry out a BER assessment. There may also be quality inspections on some homes

Upgrades offered

An SEAI surveyor will recommend upgrades that are suitable for your property. These will be based on factors such as its age, size, existing heating system and condition. The measures recommended are decided at the time of survey and validated by your appointed contractor and recommended in line with Scheme Rules in place. Upgrades offered under the scheme may include:

  • Attic insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • External wall insulation
  • Internal wall insulation
  • Secondary work such as lagging jackets, draught proofing and energy efficient lighting
  • New heating systems and windows are occasionally recommended

Who can apply

You need to meet these 3 criteria to apply for the Fully Funded Energy Upgrade Scheme.

CriteriaDescription

1. You must own and live in your own home

This must be your main residence, where you live most days of the week

2. Your home was built and occupied before 2006

This means the ESB meter was connected and property lived in prior to 2006

3. You receive one of the following welfare payments

  • Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme.
  • Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age
  • Working Family Payment
  • One-Parent Family Payment
  • Domiciliary Care Allowance
  • Carers Allowance and live with the person you are caring for
  • Disability Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age

How to apply

  1. Read the Scheme and Application Guidelines
  2. Complete the Application Form and, if relevant, the Carers Allowance Confirmation Form
  3. Have the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) complete the relevant section of the application form
  4. Submit your application by post to;

Fully Funded Energy Upgrades
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
PO BOX 119
Cahirciveen
Co. Kerry

FAQS

1.1 I am applying for a free energy upgrade. What can I expect?

  • You apply to SEAI, either online here or using our application form [download here]
  • You must have a published BER. If you do not have a BER, SEAI will carry one out for you at no cost to you
  • If you are eligible, an SEAI surveyor surveys your home to make upgrade recommendations
  • A contractor is appointed from SEAI’s panel of contractors to carry out the upgrade works
  • After the works are completed our energy assessment team will carry out a BER assessment. There may also be a quality inspection of your home.

1.2 I am applying for a free energy upgrade, but my contractor calls it a ‘Warmer Homes Scheme’ instead.

SEAI operates a number of Energy Poverty Programmes. The Warmer Homes Scheme [WHS] has been in operation since 2002 as an Energy Poverty Programme, providing attic and cavity upgrades to homes in receipt of certain welfare payments. Over the years, the Scheme has grown significantly and now delivers a wide range of upgrades to eligible homeowners. When applying online, until your home and qualifying payment have been verified, you will be on the Free Energy Upgrades waiting list. After verification, you will proceed along the WHS journey.

1.3 I am eligible for fully funded upgrades. What costs are involved?

The measures recommended on a home on the programme are free to all qualifying applicants. There is no charge attached to any part of the retrofit journey. Any works outside the scope of the recommendations are subject to cost. SEAI's Fully Funded Energy Upgrades are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western and Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programmes.

2.1 What payments qualifies me for the scheme?

We deliver free energy upgrades such as attic, cavity and solid wall insulation and, in some instances, windows and heating systems, to homeowners who receive any of the following welfare payments.

  • Fuel Allowance
  • Job Seekers Allowance with a child under 7 years of age
  • Working Family Payment
  • Domiciliary Carers Allowance
  • Carers Allowance and living with the person you are caring for
  • Disability Allowance with a child under 7 years of age

2.2 How do I prove my eligibility?

You can do it two ways. SEAI is now partnering with the Department of Social Protection to make verification of your welfare payment easy. To do this, SEAI will need your Personal Public Service Number [PPSN] and your date of birth which you can enter on our online application form here. The online application will prompt you for the relevant documents as part of the process.

If you prefer to apply using our paper application form, you must provide your PPSN and your date of birth to verify your eligibility.

2.3 I am on Household Benefits Package. Am I eligible to receive free energy upgrades?

No, only those in receipt of qualifying payments above are eligible. Those in receipt of the Household Benefits Package are not eligible under this scheme.

2.4 I received works on the scheme before. Am I eligible to receive more free energy upgrades?

In some instances, you may be eligible to receive more fully funded energy upgrades. Generally, if you received works on or after July 1, 2018, you are not eligible for any further works at this time. Please refer to Table 2 for measures available for homes.

2.5 I am living in my house, but I do not own it. Can I apply?

No. The scheme only applies to homes, owned and occupied by the applicant; only the owner can apply to the scheme.

2.6 My home was built in 2006. Can I apply?

Only homes, built and occupied before 2006 are eligible for the scheme.

2.7 I do not have a BER. Do I have to get a BER to apply for the scheme?

If you are eligible for the scheme and you do not already have a BER, SEAI will assign an assessor to your home to carry out a BER assessment, at no cost to you. You will also have a BER carried out after your works are completed.

2.8 I think I am eligible for the free energy upgrades. What do I do?

You should first ensure you are eligible for the programme and then proceed to make an online application here. Before you start, refer to ‘Important Tips’ on the application page here, to ensure you have the necessary documentation and qualifying payment. You will need to share your PPSN and date of birth so we can determine whether you are eligible or not.

2.8 I do not want to make an online application. Can I post one in?

Yes, SEAI will process your application if you send it in a paper copy to our customer call centre. There may be additional waiting time to process a paper copy so, if possible, get help in making the online application.

2.9 The online application is looking for my date of birth and PPSN. Why?

SEAI confirms all qualifying payments with the Department of Social Protection. This confirmation is determined by the sharing of an applicant’s date of birth and PPSN. SEAI does not retain this information once the applicant is eligible and their application has been validated.

3.1 I have completed my online application and I am eligible. What next?

This depends. If you have a BER for your home, you will move along the application journey to be allocated to a surveyor. This should save a little time. If you do not have a BER, SEAI will carry out one at no charge to you. This is an important task in that it establishes how your home is performing before any works take place.

3.2 I have received a call from a BER assessor. What happens next?

All eligible homes on the scheme must have a BER in place before any works can be recommended. If you do not already have one, SEAI will carry out one at no charge to you. The BER assessor will make an appointment with you at your convenience and carry out an assessment of your home. A copy will be sent to you in the post.  

3.3 I have received a call from SEAI, asking me questions about my house. What is this?

SEAI’s Managing Agent will contact you to check to see if there are any reasons why the works cannot take place. This is a general call, to ensure that a visit will be of benefit and that in principle, works may be recommended.

3.4 My application was cancelled following my survey call from SEAI. What next?

There can be instances where the application will be cancelled at this point of the application journey as it may not be possible for any works to be recommended. These reasons might be that no further works are possible [for example, that is has attic and wall insulation already], or that the house is not technically possible to insulate [for example, a timber frame home, dormer roofs]. Refer to Table 2 on homes not technically possible to insulate. If you feel you have not been clear or represented accurately, that is no problem; call 01 8082005 or email in your query to warmerhomes@seai.ie and we will ensure that you receive satisfactory clarification on your cancellation.

3.5 I have received a call from an SEAI surveyor. What happens next?

All qualifying homes on the scheme must have a survey carried out before any works can be allocated to an SEAI Contractor. The SEAI Surveyor will agree an appointment with you at your convenience to you before they carry out a survey of your home. They will make recommendations in line with scheme rules and then take you through them at the end of the survey. You will be asked to sign the survey after the surveyor has taken you through the measures. You must ensure you understand what is being recommended so ask your surveyor to explain it to you carefully.   

3.6 Can I ask my surveyor for upgrades?

The SEAI surveyor is trained to assess your home’s suitability for upgrades available on the scheme. The upgrades can only be determined by the surveyor in line with these scheme rules. Refer to our table of measures to understand what is available on the programme.

3.7 My SEAI surveyor has told me I am not eligible for any works. Can I appeal this?

The SEAI surveyor is trained to assess your home’s suitability for upgrades available on the scheme. The upgrades can only be determined by the SEAI surveyor in line with these scheme rules. If the surveyor has determined that there are no works possible at the home survey stage, you should be clear on the reasons why so ensure you ask your SEAI surveyor at the time of their visit.

3.8 I have received a notification that I have been assigned an SEAI contractor. What happens next?

Congratulations, you have moved to the next stage in the application journey and received a notification confirming this. Your SEAI-appointed contractor will be in touch. It is important to note that all scheduling of projects is managed in accordance with your contractor’s own scheduling capacity. You should ask for a programme of key dates when meeting with your contractor for the first time. Your contractor should add a customer contact for you in your ‘Welcome to your Warmer Home’ Welcome Pack so that you can use that contact for any queries or clarifications you might have over the course of the works. As per the waiting list time, it is important to know that given the demand of the scheme, contractors are working very hard to get to everyone, but it can take time and you will have to be patient when waiting for works to start and finish.

3.9 My SEAI Contractor has told me that my home is not suitable for any works. What happens next?

Your SEAI contractor is trained to validate the SEAI surveyor's recommendations for upgrades available on the scheme. The upgrades will be validated by your appointed contractor when they carry out their own technical assessment. If your contractor has determined that there are no works possible, you should be clear on the reasons why. If you need further clarification on these reasons, you should call your contractor to go through the reasons carefully.

4.1 Can I change my SEAI Contractor?

SEAI allocates all works to their panel of appointed contractors who are experienced in carrying out works on poorly performing homes. Given the high demand of the scheme, SEAI works to tight deadlines and does not provide bespoke allocation services to applicants. When you are allocated your contractor, this is the contractor who will work with you for the duration of the works. You should be supplied with a contact who you can discuss any issues should they arise.

4.2 Can I limit the time my contractor spends in my home?

SEAI Contractors should be provided with reasonable access to your home during the course of the work. There may be some flexibility extended to you for a short period of time but if you think you may want extensive limits to contractor access, the contractor may proceed to cancel the works. You should be clear about access to your home at the first meeting with your contractor.

4.3 I do not have single glazed windows. Can I get new windows?

SEAI only replaces single-glazed windows on the scheme and as part of a wall insulation upgrade.

4.4 I have single glazed windows, but my walls are already insulated. Can I get new windows?

SEAI will replace single-glazed windows where your walls are already insulated. You may be entitled to other measures too, which the surveyor will determine during their visit.

4.5 I live in an apartment. Can I receive any upgrades on the scheme?

SEAI has found that apartments are not practical to carry out energy upgrade work in custom-built apartments due to permissions to carry out works and safe access. The surveyor can only recommend the following upgrades:

  • Internal wall insulation [dry lining], where the walls are solid walls and where the home’s existing ventilation meets regulatory requirements for ventilation. The scheme will not install additional ventilation in apartment walls.
  • Attic insulation, subject to regulatory requirements for ventilation being met, and if the attic is accessible, located over a top floor apartment and separated from other apartments.

The surveyor will not recommend external wall Insulation for apartments in any instance.

4.6 I live in a period/stone house. Can I receive upgrades?

SEAI does not currently carry out wall insulation on homes older than 1940, traditional or older buildings, specifically stone, random rubble and single-leaf brick walls. You may be entitled to other measures too, which the surveyor will determine during their visit. SEAI carries out insulation work on cavity and concrete walls only. Cavity walls are generally suitable for insulation when there is a reasonable gap between the inner and outer leaf of masonry. The gap is filled with bonded bead, which is also waterproof, providing an increase in warmth. Concrete walls (hollow-block, block and mass), are generally suitable for insulation, have good insulation properties, are not permeable, and adding layers of insulation significantly improves the performance of the wall.

When considering insulating a stone or single-leaf wall, SEAI recommends you should consult a professional who specialises in the treatment of heritage or period dwellings such as these.

4.7 My heating is broken. Can I receive a heating upgrade?

SEAI primarily provides insulation to homes and does not provide heating replacements for broken systems. In some cases, where more than a significant amount of wall is being externally or internally insulated, SEAI is legally obliged, under the building regulations, to appraise the existing heating system with a view to potential replacement.

4.8 Can I be recommended a heat pump?

SEAI has proceeded to install heat pumps in a small number of suitable homes across the country, as part of a pilot for heat pumps in energy poor homes.  Only a home which has been recommended for a heating system may be considered for a heat pump and the homes suitable for this installation must have a verified overall low heat loss. If this is not the case, installing a heat pump will be expensive and may shorten the life of the heat pump. The following homes would generally not be suitable for a heat pump:

  • Older homes built before 2000
  • Detached homes
  • Homes with a single-storey flat roofed extension
  • Rooms in roof [conversions].

Should you have any questions on why your home was not recommended for a heat pump, you should ask your surveyor directly or call our Technical Call Centre at 01 2776977 and they will take you through the requirements.

4.9 How long will it take for me to have my works done?

Due to the high demand and post pandemic delays, the waiting list for the scheme has extended significantly. While we are returning to normal capacity, it is important to be aware that it may take more than a 2-year waiting time before your home is completed. SEAI will update the following waiting times over the year for the:

  • Pre-works BER - Approx 8 - 10 months from application
  • Survey - Approx 14 months from application
  • Post works BER/Inspection - Approx 2 - 3 months after works completed
  • Works Completed - Approx 24 - 26 months from application

4.10 I have been told my house is on the prioritised list. What does this mean?  

Since 2022, the Scheme targets the worst performing properties, by prioritising homes that were built and occupied before 1993 and have a pre-works BER of E, F or G. Homes built on or before 1993 or have a BER of E, F or G may receive works at a sooner stage in the process.

4.11 I have been told my house is not on the prioritised list. What does this mean? 

The Scheme targets the worst performing properties, by prioritising homes that were built and occupied before 1993 and have a pre-works BER of E, F or G. Homes built on or after 1993 or have a BER better than E, F or G may receive works at a later stage in the process.

5: Revisits

5.1 I received works in 2012. Am I eligible for more energy upgrades?

Table 2 below shows the energy efficiency upgrades that you may have received under the Scheme, what the upgrade consisted of, whether the upgrade has changed and if you can now avail of that upgrade. The Scheme changed significantly in 2018 so if you received works after that year, it is unlikely you are eligible for any further works.

Eligibility for Revisit Questionnaire

What works did you receive?

Attic insulation

What is the measure?

To insulate your attic, a contractor will roll fibreglass or mineral wool out over the ceiling – to a depth of about 300mm (12 inches). Typically, they will insulate the water tank and pipework, and provide a walkway to access the tank. They will also install ventilation for the prevention of mould and condensation.

Has this changed?

If you received attic insulation before, the measures on offer have not changed.

If you did not receive attic insulation before, and it was for a technical reason such as a floored, dormer or converted attic space present, the scheme does not insulate these attics.

Can I re-apply for WHS?

No, if the attic was insulated to the depth of 300mm, you are not eligible for any other attic measure.

Yes, if you have cleared your attic out, or removed your attic floor since the works, you may be eligible for attic insulation.

No, if you have a dormer or converted attic space, you will not be eligible for any further attic upgrade.

What works did you receive?

Cavity wall insulation

What is the measure?

To insulate a cavity wall, a contractor will pump insulation into the cavity. This insulation looks like beads. The contractor will drill a series of small holes in the wall, at regular intervals, on the outside and then pump insulation into the cavity through these holes. They will also install additional ventilation when installing this kind of insulation.

Has this changed?

If you received cavity wall insulation before, the measures on offer have not changed.

If you have a concrete constructed wall such as a hollow/solid block, or have a poured concrete wall, you may be eligible for new wall insulation subject to survey.

Should I re-apply for WHS?

Yes, if you have a concrete constructed wall, you may be eligible for external wall insulation.

No, if you have single-leaf, stone, random rubble walls. Warmer Homes does not insulate these walls.

What works did you receive?

External wall insulation

What is the measure?

To install external wall insulation, a contractor will wrap a layer of insulation around the property, fixing it to the walls, embedding mesh in it to provide strength, and covering it in a render with a smooth finish to provide weather resistance. They will also install additional ventilation when installing this kind of insulation.

Has this changed?

If you received external wall insulation before, the measures on offer have not changed and you will not be eligible for any further wall upgrade.

Should I re-apply for WHS?

No, you will not receive any further works on the Warmer Homes Programme

What works did you receive?

Internal wall insulation

What is the measure?

To install internal insulation (sometimes referred to as ‘dry-lining’) a contractor usually fixes insulation boards to the inside of the external walls and covers them with a vapour barrier layer, plasterboard, skim and new paint. They will also install additional ventilation when installing this kind of insulation.

Has this changed?

If you received internal wall insulation before, the measures on offer have not changed but you may be eligible for work to other walls in line with 'External Wall Insulation' above.

Note: Warmer Homes does not externally insulate timber frame homes.

Should I re-apply for WHS?

Yes, if you have a concrete constructed wall, you may be eligible for external wall insulation.

What works did you receive?

High-efficiency heating system

What is the measure?

For new heating systems, a contractor will discuss where the new boiler will be located, whether it should be inside or outside, the radiator positions and the oil tank/gas meter position. If the boiler can be located inside, the contractor will need to extend the flue out through the wall. They will need to lift some floorboards to connect the new boiler, radiators and pipework together.

Has this changed?

If you received a heating system before, you will not be eligible for any further works on the programme.

Should I re-apply for WHS?

No, you will not receive any further works on the Warmer Homes Programme.

What works did you receive?

Windows

What is the measure?

For new windows, a contractor will measure the windows requiring replacement and send their dimensions to the supplier for manufacturing. The standard waiting time is around 8-12 weeks from order to installation.

Has this changed?

Only single-glazed windows are replaced by the Warmer Homes Programme and the home must be receiving either internal, external or cavity wall insulation to qualify for window replacement.

Should I re-apply for WHS?

Yes, if you have a concrete constructed wall, and you have single glazed windows, you may be eligible for windows.

Note: Warmer Homes does not replace windows as a stand-alone upgrade.

What works did you receive?

Other secondary measures

What is the measure?

Examples include lagging jackets, draught proofing and energy efficient lighting.

Has this changed?

If you received any secondary measures before, you will not be eligible for any further secondary measures.

Should I re-apply for WHS?

Not applicable as you may be eligible for other measures.

Alternative upgrade options

If you are not eligible for the scheme, take a look at the other home energy upgrade options available.

Home Energy Upgrade options

Contact us

Call: 01808 2005
Email: warmerhomes@seai.ie

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