Retrofitting your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and cut carbon emissions. Whether you’re exploring options for the first time or planning a full home upgrade, this guide covers the key information you need to get started: what a retrofit is, what it includes, the benefits, and what grants and financing are available in Ireland.

What is a retrofit?

A home retrofit is a series of upgrades that improve the energy efficiency of an existing building.
The goal is to help your home use less energy, stay warmer for longer, and operate more sustainably.

These upgrades can be completed all at once (a “deep retrofit”) or gradually over time.

What does a retrofit include?

A typical home energy upgrade may include one or more of the following improvements:

• Wall and attic insulation to reduce heat loss

   

• Replacing a fossil-fuel boiler with a heat pump

   

• Upgrading windows and doors to energy-efficient models

   

• Improving ventilation and airtightness for healthier indoor air

   

• Installing LED lighting to reduce electricity usage

   

These measures help homes achieve better BER ratings and long-term energy savings.

What are the benefits of retrofitting your home?

Upgrading your home’s energy performance delivers a wide range of benefits:

• Lower energy use and reduced heating bills

   

• Greater indoor comfort all year round

   

• Lower carbon emissions and a more sustainable home

   

• Improved indoor air quality

   

• Increased property value and better BER rating

   

A well-planned retrofit can also future-proof your home against rising energy costs.

Is there funding available?

Yes, Irish homeowners can access several SEAI grants and financial supports to help reduce the cost of a retrofit, including:

• SEAI Home Energy Grants

   

• Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme (HEUL)

   

• Derelict and Vacant Property Grants

   

• Green mortgages and low-interest energy loans

   

These supports make retrofitting more affordable, especially for deep retrofit projects.

Is there financing available?

Eligible homeowners can apply for government-backed, low-interest financing through the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme (HEUL), allowing you to spread the cost of your retrofit over time.

You may also benefit from switching to a green mortgage once the upgrades are complete, as many lenders offer better rates for energy-efficient homes with strong BER ratings.