Heat Pump Grant Ireland 2026
How the SEAI heat pump grant actually works. The three-part €12,500 bundle, the application process, the Letter of Offer, and the mistakes that cause delays or rejection.
How the €12,500 Grant Is Structured
The Heat Pump System Grant is a bundle of three separate fixed-value grants: €6,500 for the heat pump unit itself, €2,000 for central heating distribution upgrades (radiators, pipework), and a €4,000 Renewable Heat Bonus paid after 12 months of verified operation when replacing a fossil-fuel or electric heating system. For system types, costs, and sizing, see the full heat pump installation guide.
The grant increased from €6,500 to €12,500 on 3 February 2026, the largest single increase in the scheme’s history. All open applications received the increased value automatically.
| Component | Amount | When Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump unit | €6,500 | On completion, with other components |
| Central heating distribution upgrade | €2,000 | On completion |
| Renewable Heat Bonus | €4,000 | 12 months after verified operation |
| Total maximum | €12,500 |
Apartments are capped at €9,500. Air-to-air heat pumps qualify for a different structure: up to €7,500 (€3,500 unit plus the €4,000 Renewable Heat Bonus, with no heating distribution component since air-to-air doesn’t use radiators).
Eligibility Requirements
- Property must have an MPRN (electricity meter reference)
- Home must have been built and occupied before 2021
- Home must meet a minimum fabric standard: Heat Loss Indicator of 2.3 or better, or attic and wall insulation rated “Good” or “Very Good”
- Existing fossil fuel boiler must be removed to qualify for the full Renewable Heat Bonus
- Heat pump must be on SEAI’s approved product list
- Installation must be by an SEAI-registered heat pump installer
The Application Process
From BER assessment to the Renewable Heat Bonus landing 12 months later.
Get a BER Assessment
Confirms whether your home meets the fabric standard for approval. Cost €150–€300, partially offset by the separate €50 BER grant.
Choose a Registered Installer
RetrofitIreland.ie connects homeowners with SEAI-registered heat pump installers across all 26 counties.
Apply Online at hes.seai.ie
Before any work starts. You’ll need your MPRN, PPS number, and BER certificate number.
Receive Your Letter of Offer
Heat pump applications are typically approved within minutes. Valid for 8 months. Do not start work before receiving it.
Installation (Current Lead Times)
Heat pump installers are the busiest trade right now due to demand from the grant increase. Book early.
Book the Post-Works BER Assessor
A delayed BER assessment is one of the most common holdups in the payment process. Book early.
Payment Processed
After correct documentation (Declaration of Works, Request for Payment, post-works BER) is submitted.
Renewable Heat Bonus Released
SEAI verifies correct operation and releases the final €4,000 component.
What Causes Rejection or Delay
Starting work before the Letter of Offer disqualifies the entire grant. This is the single most common reason applications fail, and there are no exceptions.
Cannot Combine With the Heating Controls Grant
The heat pump bundle already includes the €2,000 heating distribution upgrade component, so the separate €700 heating controls grant cannot be claimed on the same application.
Keeping the Old Boiler Forfeits the Renewable Heat Bonus
The existing fossil fuel system must generally be removed to qualify for the full €4,000 component.
Contractor Registration Mismatches
A contractor registered for insulation work cannot process a heat pump grant. The installer must be specifically registered for heat pump installation.
Changing Details Without Updating SEAI
Any change from what’s stated on the Letter of Offer, contractor, system size, or upgrade type, must be communicated to SEAI before proceeding, or payment will be held.
Random inspection adds time. SEAI inspects a percentage of completed works, which can add 2 to 4 weeks and isn’t something you can control or predict.
Timing Your Application
Apply Early
With 8–12 week installer lead times, get your Letter of Offer as soon as you have a survey and quote, so you don’t lose time within the 8-month window.
Sequence Fabric-First
Insulation before the heat pump is generally recommended, since it affects whether your home meets the Heat Loss Indicator threshold.
Self-Managed vs One Stop Shop
Applying directly means managing the paperwork yourself, though installers often assist. OSS handles the whole application, grant deducted upfront.