The Better Energy Homes scheme provides grants to homeowners who want to make their homes more energy efficient. Key 2026 updates:
• Heat pump system grant increased to €12,500 (from €6,500) from 3 Feb 2026 — this includes €6,500 for the unit, €2,000 for central heating upgrades (radiators/pipework), and a new €4,000 Renewable Heat Bonus.
• Attic insulation: up to €2,000 for detached houses (increased from €1,500).
• Cavity wall insulation: up to €1,800 for detached houses (increased from €700).
• NEW from 2 March 2026: replacement windows grant (€1,500–€4,000 by dwelling type) and external doors grant (€800 per door, max 2 doors / €1,600).
• NEW from 2 March 2026: enhanced fixed-amount grants for homeowners on qualifying DSP welfare payments — attic insulation flat €2,500, cavity wall insulation flat €2,300.
• NEW: first-time buyers of homes purchased on/after 1 Jan 2025 can get enhanced attic insulation grant (up to €2,500) even without a full retrofit.
• Second wall insulation measure now allowed (can claim for cavity fill and dry lining on same home).
• Gas and oil boiler replacements are NOT funded under any SEAI scheme since Jan 2025.
Works must be carried out by a registered SEAI contractor. For insulation/heating controls: home must have been built and occupied before 2011. For heat pump/solar: before 2021. Government allocated a record €558 million to residential retrofits for 2026.
Must own the home. For insulation and heating controls: built and occupied before 2011. For heat pump, solar PV, solar thermal: built before 2021. Landlords can also apply (not eligible for Warmer Homes Scheme).