GRANT SUPPORT
HOMEOWNERS ARE SEEKING MORE AFFORDABLE, ENERGY-EFFICIENT HEATING SOLUTIONS, CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLUMBING AND HEATING CONTRACTORS ACROSS IRELAND, SAYS SEAI… Rising demand for heat pumps
Energy costs remain unpredictable and Irish homeowners are seeking ways to reduce their energy bills. Combined with increased government grant support, demand for renewable technologies such as heat pumps continues to grow, creating new opportunities for plumbing and heating contractors across Ireland. Homeowners are increasingly turning to heat pumps as an energy-efficient heating solution that can help lower running costs, improve home comfort and health, and provide greater certainty over long-term energy bills. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is seeing strong demand for heat pumps as homeowners seek more affordable and energy-efficient heating solutions. Government grants of up to €12,500 are helping to reduce installation costs, making heat pumps a realistic option for more households. Homeowners replacing an older heat pump may also be eligible for a grant of up to €6,500 towards a replacement unit. The market is already responding. More than 100,000 Irish homeowners have installed a heat pump, attracted by lower running costs, improved comfort and greater protection from fluctuating oil and gas prices. Demand for heat pumps in home retrofit projects increased by 21% between 2024 and 2025, with growth expected to continue. Penny Keogh, Programme Manager, SEAI, says, “Demand for heat pumps continues to grow as homeowners look for more energy-efficient ways to heat their homes. Increased grant supports are making heat pumps more accessible, while creating valuable opportunities for plumbing and heating contractors to expand their skills and grow their businesses.” For contractors, the opportunity is clear. Homeowners are actively seeking trusted professionals who can advise on heat pump systems and help them access available grant supports. Importantly, homeowners can only claim
SEAI-registered installers can provide their customers with access to Government grants for heat pump installations.
“For oil and gas boiler installers, heat pumps offer a natural opportunity to diversify services and future-proof their businesses.”
an SEAI heat pump grant when the system is installed by an SEAI-registered installer. Registration therefore provides contractors with a valuable competitive advantage while enabling customers to access significant Government funding. For oil and gas boiler installers, heat pumps offer a natural opportunity to diversify services and future-proof their businesses. To register with SEAI as a heat pump installer, contractors must complete a Level 6 Domestic Heat Pump Installer qualification and obtain a manufacturer’s installation certificate. Approved Level 6 training is available through: • Atlantic Technological University (ATU) • Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) • Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) • Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB)
Once qualified and certified, installers can register with SEAI and are then able to provide their customers with access to Government grants for heat pump installations. Looking ahead, Ireland’s Climate Action Plan includes targets to upgrade 500,000 homes to a BER of B or higher and install 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes. Contractors who invest in heat pump skills today will be well placed to meet growing customer demand in the years ahead.
Want to know more?
For more information on becoming an SEAI-registered contractor, visit www.seai.ie/contractors-and-suppliers/ register-with-seai/contractor For details of accredited renewable energy installer training providers, visit www.seai.ie / Renewable Energy Installers / Register With SEAI / SEAI
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