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Is Your Home Heat Pump Ready? A Quick Checklist
Published on 29 September 2026 : Updated 01 October • 4 minute read
Heat pumps are taking off in Ireland. Since February 2026, the SEAI grant for most houses has risen to a maximum of €12,500, and heat pump applications were up 95% year-on-year in early 2026.
But a heat pump is only as good as the house it heats. Run through this quick checklist before you choose one.
1Your home's fabric
A heat pump runs at lower water temperatures than an oil or gas boiler, so your home needs to hold on to the heat. Check your attic insulation, walls, windows and draughts first. Insulating before you install means a smaller heat pump that costs less to buy and run.
2Your Heat Loss Indicator (HLI)
Your HLI shows how quickly your home loses heat. SEAI's benchmark is 2.0 W/K/m², and some homes qualify up to 2.3. If your home was built before 2007, you'll need a technical assessment to confirm it before claiming the grant.
A high HLI isn't a dead end. It's a to-do list that shows exactly where your home is losing heat.
3Your radiators
Many existing radiators work fine with a heat pump. Others need upgrading, usually in the coldest rooms. The SEAI grant includes up to €2,000 for central heating upgrades. Read more in our guide: Do Heat Pumps Work with Radiators in Irish Homes?
4Your electricity tariff
A well-designed heat pump produces 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses. It works best running low and steady, so night rate alone rarely suits it. Heat pump or electric-only tariffs are often better value, and solar PV can cut costs further.
5Your system design
This matters as much as insulation. Two homes with the same heat pump can have very different bills depending on sizing, flow temperature, controls and setup. A proper room-by-room heat loss calculation should come before any quote. If an installer skips it, ask why.
Heat pump or new oil boiler?
A new oil boiler is cheaper upfront. But you can get up to €4,000 in Renewable Heat Bonus for replacing oil, running costs are lower in an insulated home, and your BER improves. That makes the gap smaller than most people think. The right answer depends on your house.
Get the order right
Most heat pump problems come from doing it the other way round. As an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop, Churchfield Home Services handles every step, from assessment to heat pump installation and grant paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Is my house suitable for a heat pump?
Most Irish homes can work with a heat pump, but many need insulation upgrades first. The key measure is your Heat Loss Indicator. At or below 2.0 W/K/m², your home is generally considered ready.
What happens if my HLI is too high for the grant?
You'll need to improve your home's fabric, usually the walls, attic or windows, to bring it down. Your assessment will show which upgrades make the biggest difference.
Do I need new radiators for a heat pump?
Not always. Some existing radiators work well, while others need upgrading, usually in the coldest rooms. The SEAI grant includes up to €2,000 towards central heating upgrades.
How much is the SEAI heat pump grant?
Up to €12,500 for most houses and up to €9,500 for apartments. This covers the heat pump, central heating upgrades and a Renewable Heat Bonus for replacing oil or gas. From 6 October 2026, a new €2,000 boiler scrappage grant is also available when you replace a fossil fuel boiler in a house built before 2021.
Is night rate electricity worth it with a heat pump?
Usually not for heating, because heat pumps work best running steadily through the day. It can help with hot water. Heat pump or electric-only tariffs are often better value.
Is a heat pump worth it if my oil boiler still works?
It depends on your home's insulation and your plans. With the Renewable Heat Bonus and the new €2,000 boiler scrappage grant, the gap between a new oil boiler and a heat pump is smaller than it used to be. An assessment will give you the numbers for your own home.
Enjoy Year-Round Comfort with a Heat Pump
Is my home is Heatpump ready?Tags
- One Stop Shop
- Heat Pumps
- Retrofit One Stop Shop
- Home Energy Assessment
- SEAI Grants
- Home Energy Upgrade Grants
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Published on 29 September 2026: Updated 01 October • 4 minute read
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