An air-source heat pump is an efficient and eco-friendly way of heating your home without the need for a traditional gas or electric heating system. If you want to reduce your current heating bills while doing your bit for the environment, then read on to find out how you can achieve this with an air source heat pump.
Choosing the right size boiler for your home is crucial for efficient heating and cost savings. A boiler that is too small will struggle to heat your home adequately, while a boiler that is too large will waste energy and increase your energy bills. It is important to carefully consider factors such as the size of your home, the number of occupants, and your heating requirements when selecting a boiler size. In this article, we will discuss the importance of choosing the right size boiler, factors to consider when making your decision, how to calculate the correct boiler size for your home, the benefits of selecting the right size boiler, common mistakes to avoid, different types of boilers and their sizing requirements, choosing the right boiler size for different types of homes, how to ensure your boiler is the right size for your heating needs, the impact of boiler size on energy efficiency and cost savings, and finding the right boiler installer to help you make the right choice.
Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Size Boiler
Choosing the right size boiler is crucial for efficient heating and cost savings. A boiler that is too small will struggle to heat your home adequately, resulting in cold rooms and discomfort. On the other hand, a boiler that is too large will waste energy and increase your energy bills. When a boiler is oversized for your home, it will cycle on and off more frequently, leading to increased wear and tear on the system and reduced efficiency. This can result in higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your boiler.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Size Boiler
There are several factors that should be taken into account when selecting a boiler size. The size of your home is one of the most important factors to consider. A larger home will require a larger boiler to adequately heat all the rooms. The number of occupants in your home is another factor to consider. More occupants will typically mean a higher demand for hot water, which will require a larger boiler. Additionally, you should consider your heating requirements. If you have a large family and require hot water for multiple showers and baths simultaneously, you will need a larger boiler to meet this demand.
How to Calculate the Correct Boiler Size for Your Home
Calculating the correct boiler size for your home can be done using online calculators or by seeking professional assessments. Online calculators take into account factors such as the size of your home, the number of occupants, and your heating requirements to provide an estimate of the boiler size you will need. However, it is important to note that these calculators are only a guide and may not take into account specific factors unique to your home. For a more accurate assessment, it is recommended to seek professional advice from a qualified heating engineer or boiler installer. They will be able to assess your home and provide a more accurate calculation of the correct boiler size for your needs.
The Benefits of Choosing the Right Size Boiler
Choosing the right size boiler has several benefits. Firstly, it improves energy efficiency. A correctly sized boiler will operate at its optimum efficiency, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills. Secondly, it reduces energy bills. By choosing a boiler that is the right size for your home, you can avoid wasting energy and reduce your energy bills. Thirdly, it increases comfort. A properly sized boiler will be able to heat your home evenly and provide a comfortable living environment. This means no more cold rooms or hot spots. Overall, choosing the right size boiler can lead to improved energy efficiency, reduced energy bills, and increased comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Boiler Size
There are several common mistakes that homeowners make when selecting a boiler size. One common mistake is underestimating their heating needs. Homeowners may choose a smaller boiler in an attempt to save money, but this can result in inadequate heating and discomfort. Another common mistake is oversizing the boiler. Homeowners may choose a larger boiler thinking that it will provide better heating, but this can lead to wasted energy and increased energy bills. It is important to carefully consider your heating needs and seek professional advice to avoid these common mistakes.
Different Types of Boilers and Their Sizing Requirements
There are different types of boilers available, and each type has its own specific sizing requirements. Combi boilers, also known as combination boilers, are compact units that provide both hot water and central heating. They are suitable for smaller homes with low hot water demand.System boilersare larger units that require a separate hot water cylinder to store hot water. They are suitable for larger homes with higher hot water demand. Regular boilers, also known as traditional or conventional boilers, require a separate hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank. They are suitable for larger homes with high hot water demand and multiple bathrooms.
Choosing the Right Boiler Size for Different Types of Homes
The size of your home and your heating requirements will impact the selection of a boiler size. For smaller homes with low hot water demand, a combi boiler may be suitable. These compact units provide both hot water and central heating in one unit, making them ideal for smaller spaces. For larger homes with higher hot water demand, a system boiler may be more appropriate. These boilers require a separate hot water cylinder to store hot water, allowing for a higher volume of hot water to be supplied. For larger homes with high hot water demand and multiple bathrooms, a regular boiler may be the best option. These boilers require a separate hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank, providing a large volume of hot water.
How to Ensure Your Boiler is the Right Size for Your Heating Needs
To ensure that your boiler is the right size for your heating needs, it is important to regularly maintain your boiler and seek professional assessments. Regular maintenance will help to keep your boiler running efficiently and identify any issues that may affect its performance. It is recommended to have your boiler serviced annually by a qualified heating engineer. Additionally, seeking professional assessments from qualified heating engineers or boiler installers can help to ensure that your boiler is the right size for your heating needs. They will be able to assess your home and provide expert advice on the correct boiler size for your needs.
The Impact of Boiler Size on Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
The size of the boiler can have a significant impact on energy efficiency and cost savings. A correctly sized boiler will operate at its optimum efficiency, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills. On the other hand, an oversized boiler will cycle on and off more frequently, leading to increased wear and tear on the system and reduced efficiency. This can result in higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your boiler. By choosing the right size boiler for your home, you can improve energy efficiency and achieve cost savings.
With the cost of living and energy crises deepening and as the country hits much colder winter temperatures, Irish homeowners facing boiler replacements are looking for ways to reduce the cost of a new boiler, increase efficiency and lower their bills.
One way in which heating installers can help is to check, in the case of system boilers, that the output of the proposed model matches the heat demand of the home. It is often the case that installers replace a boiler like-for-like when it comes to output. This often results in boilers being specified with a higher output than actually needed. Viessmann is urging installers to consider fitting a lower output boiler if possible.
“The majority of homes do not have a heat load of more than 10 kW, yet most system boiler ranges start at an output of around 19 kW. This means that the majority of system boilers are oversized,” explains Viessmann marketing director, Darren McMahon. “Homeowners are buying larger and more expensive boilers than they need and once installed, the boiler cycles more than it needs to, increasing running costs and wear and tear. A correctly-sized boiler will be more efficient and last longer.”
Viessmann’s Which? Best Buy-awarded Vitodens 100-W and 200-W range of domestic gas-condensing boilers all include a low, 11 kW output model.
Choosing a lower output model makes life easier for installers too:
“The Vitodens 11 kW models mean installers no longer have to range-rate larger boilers to reduce their maximum output for heating. System boilers can now be fitted where heat-only models may have been chosen previously. The boiler has a higher output rating of 17.5 kW for the generation of hot water, so there is no trade-off between space- and domestic hot water- heating,” continues McMahon.
Vitodens boiler highlights include:
Highly reliable and efficient thanks to Inox-Radial stainless steel heat exchanger
MatriX-Plus burner with Lambda Pro combustion controller for permanently high efficiency and clean combustion
Integral variable speed high-efficiency circulation pump
Simple and intuitive operation via LCD screen display and touch buttons
Quiet operation thanks to low fan speed (variable speed fan)
Certified for 20 % hydrogen blend in natural gas
In addition new Viessmann boilers are web-enabled thanks to integral WiFi interface:
owners experiences greater comfort, energy savings and security with the ViCare app
installer has remote monitoring and fault diagnostic control with the ViGuide app
At just 11 kW maximum heating output and a low output of 3.2 kW for the Vitodens 100 range, the system boiler will provide end-users with an optimum-sized, efficient and reliable boiler with a lower price tag. The 11 kW Vitodens 100-W and 200-W ranges respond to demand from installers for system boilers that closely match the heat demand of the majority of modest-sized homes.
The SEAI Heat Pump Grants program is an initiative by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources for heating purposes. The program provides financial assistance to homeowners and businesses who wish to install heat pump systems on their properties. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the SEAI Heat Pump Grants program, including information on eligibility criteria, application process, required documentation, grant amounts, and tips for maximizing the benefits of the grant.
Transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial in combating climate change and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Heat pumps are an excellent alternative to traditional heating systems as they use renewable energy from the air, ground, or water to generate heat. By using heat pumps, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Heat pumps offer several benefits over traditional heating systems. They are highly efficient, providing more heat output than the energy they consume. This results in lower energy bills and reduced operating costs in the long run. Heat pumps also provide both heating and cooling capabilities, making them versatile and suitable for all seasons. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance and have a longer lifespan compared to conventional heating systems.
Understanding Heat Pumps and their Benefits
Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air, ground, or water and transferring it into a building for heating purposes. They operate on the principle of refrigeration, using refrigerant to absorb heat from a low-temperature source and release it at a higher temperature. This process is reversed for cooling purposes.
One of the main advantages of heat pumps is their high efficiency. Unlike traditional heating systems that generate heat by burning fossil fuels, heat pumps simply transfer heat from one place to another. This means that for every unit of electricity consumed by the heat pump, several units of heat are produced. This results in significant energy savings and lower carbon emissions.
Heat pumps also have environmental benefits. By using renewable energy sources, they reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help to mitigate climate change. They do not produce any direct emissions, such as carbon dioxide or other pollutants, during operation. This makes them a cleaner and greener alternative to traditional heating systems.
Eligibility Criteria for SEAI Heat Pump Grants
To be eligible for the SEAI Heat Pump Grants, both residential and commercial properties must meet certain criteria. For residential properties, the building must have been built and occupied before 2011. Commercial properties must be in operation for at least two years.
In terms of property requirements, the building must be adequately insulated and have a Building Energy Rating (BER) of C or worse. This ensures that the heat pump system will be installed in a property that will benefit from its energy efficiency. The property must also have a suitable space for the installation of the heat pump system.
Types of Heat Pump Systems Covered by the Grant
The SEAI Heat Pump Grants in Ireland program covers a range of heat pump systems, including air-to-water, ground-source, and water-source heat pumps. Air-to-water heat pumps extract heat from the air and transfer it to water for heating purposes. Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground through a series of pipes buried underground. Water source heat pumps extract heat from a water source, such as a lake or river.
The grant program also covers hybrid heat pump systems, which combine a heat pump with another heating system, such as a gas or oil boiler. This allows for greater flexibility and efficiency, as the heat pump can be used when outdoor temperatures are mild, and the boiler can be used during colder periods.
It is important to note that the grant program does not cover heat pump systems that are used solely for domestic hot water production. The heat pump must be used for space heating purposes to qualify for the grant.
How to Apply for SEAI Heat Pump Grants
Applying for the SEAI Heat Pump Grants is a straightforward process. The first step is to gather all the necessary information and documentation, including proof of ownership or long-term lease agreement, BER certificate, and quotes from registered heat pump installers.
Once you have all the required documentation, you can apply for the grant online through the SEAI websiteclick to apply. The online application portal will guide you through the process and allow you to upload the necessary documents. It is important to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete to avoid any delays in the application process.
If you require assistance with the application process, you can contact the SEAI directly. They have a dedicated helpline and email support to answer any questions or provide guidance.
Who can apply
All homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2021 can apply. This is defined as the date your electricity meter was installed. This is different to other grant measures where the home must be built before 2011.
Required Documentation for Grant Application
When applying for the SEAI Heat Pump Grants, there are several documents that you will need to provide. These include proof of ownership or long-term lease agreement, BER certificate, quotes from registered heat pump installers, and proof of income if applying for a residential grant.
Proof of ownership can be in the form of a copy of the property deeds or a letter from your solicitor confirming your ownership. If you are a tenant, you will need to provide a long-term lease agreement that is valid for at least five years.
The BER certificate is a document that provides information on the energy performance of your property. It is issued by a registered BER assessor and must be valid at the time of application. If your property does not have a valid BER certificate, you will need to arrange for an assessment to be carried out before applying for the grant.
To qualify for a heat pump system grant your home must be well insulated and have low heat loss. This is to ensure your heat pump system performs well and your electricity bills are not too high. That is why we require a technical assessment to be carried out first.
Technical assessment
Before you apply for a heat pump system grant, you must select an independent, SEAI Registered Technical Advisor. They will carry out a technical assessment of your home, and will advise you on what steps you need to take to make your home heat pump ready.
Grant for technical assessment
We offer a €200 grant towards the technical assessment of your home. This grant is only payable in conjunction with the heat pump system grant. To qualify for this grant you must:
Use an SEAI registered Technical Advisor
Complete the heat pump system and any upgrades required according to the programme rules
The SEAI Heat Pump Grants program provides financial assistance towards the cost of installing a heat pump system. The grant amounts vary depending on the type of heat pump system and the size of the property.
Grant values for heat pump systems
Each individual grant offers a fixed value.
Grant name
Description
Dwelling Type and Grant Value
Air to Water heat pump system
The most common heat pump system extracts heat from external air using an outside unit.
Apartment (Any) €4,500Semi-Detached/End of Terrace/Detached/Mid Terrace €6,500
Ground Source to Water heat pump system
A ground source heat pump system uses the earth as a source of renewable heat.
Apartment (Any) €4,500Semi-Detached/End of Terrace/Detached/Mid Terrace €6,500
Exhaust Air to Water heat pump system
Similar to air to water but includes mechanical extract ventilation and heat recovery from the property.
Apartment (Any) €4,500Semi-Detached/End of Terrace/Detached/Mid Terrace €6,500
Water to Water heat pump system
This system uses open water, such as lakes, rivers or streams, as a heat source.
Apartment (Any) €4,500Semi-Detached/End of Terrace/Detached/Mid Terrace €6,500
Air to Air heat pump system
This system distributes heat through air units. They do not provide hot water.
Apartment/Semi-Detached/End of Terrace/Detached/Mid Terrace €3,500
Technical assessment
This assessment is required before you apply for a heat pump grant. Learn more
€200
For residential properties, the grant amounts range from €3,500 to €6,000. The exact amount depends on the type of heat pump system and whether it is a standalone or hybrid system. Standalone air-to-water heat pumps are eligible for a grant of €3,500, while standalone ground source and water source heat pumps are eligible for a grant of €6,000. Hybrid heat pump systems are eligible for a grant of €4,500.
Timeline for Grant Approval and Payment
The timeline for grant approval and payment can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness and accuracy of the application, the availability of funds, and the workload of the SEA
However, the SEAI aims to process applications as quickly as possible and provide a decision within eight weeks of receiving a complete application.
Once the grant application has been approved, the SEAI will issue a Letter of Offer outlining the grant amount and any conditions that need to be met. The grant payment will be made directly to the applicant’s bank account within four weeks of receiving the signed Letter of Offer.
To expedite the process, it is important to ensure that all the required documentation is accurate and complete. Any missing or incorrect information can result in delays in the application process. It is also recommended to apply as early as possible to secure a place in the queue.
Tips for Maximizing Your Heat Pump Grant
To maximize the benefits of the SEAI Heat Pump Grants program, there are several tips to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose the right heat pump system for your property. Consider factors such as the size of your property, your heating requirements, and your budget. Consult with registered heat pump installers to determine the most suitable system for your needs.
It is also important to ensure that your property is adequately insulated before installing a heat pump system. Proper insulation will maximize the efficiency of the heat pump and reduce heat loss. This will result in lower energy bills and increased comfort in your home or business.
To further maximize the benefits of the grant, consider other energy-saving measures that can be implemented alongside the heat pump installation. This could include upgrading windows and doors, installing smart heating controls, or improving ventilation systems. These measures will further reduce energy consumption and increase the overall energy efficiency of your property.
Homeowner Application Guide
Please ensure you are familiar with your comprehensive Homeowner Application Guide to Applying For and Claiming Cash Grants with Terms and Conditions.
Cookies and Privacy Policy
This site uses cookies & similar technologies to collect and process personal data that recollects your activities and preferences.
Essential and functional cookies: These are necessary, respectively, to allow navigation on our website and provide the services you will request ("minimal cookies").
Additional cookies: Performance cookies: cookies collecting statistics about traffic and users' behavior on our or third-party websites.
Advertising/targeting cookies: cookies used to deliver adverts on our or third-party websites more relevant to you and your interests, as well as to measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement
1 year
Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
CookieLawInfoConsent
1 year
Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
_lfa
2 years
This cookie is set by the provider Leadfeeder to identify the IP address of devices visiting the website, in order to retarget multiple users routing from the same IP address.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Cookie
Duration
Description
bcookie
2 years
LinkedIn sets this cookie from LinkedIn share buttons and ad tags to recognize browser ID.
bscookie
2 years
LinkedIn sets this cookie to store performed actions on the website.
lang
session
LinkedIn sets this cookie to remember a user's language setting.
lidc
1 day
LinkedIn sets the lidc cookie to facilitate data center selection.
UserMatchHistory
1 month
LinkedIn sets this cookie for LinkedIn Ads ID syncing.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Cookie
Duration
Description
CONSENT
2 years
YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
sbjs_current
3 months
This cookie is to identify the source of a visit and store user action information about it in a cookies. This is a analytic and behavioural cookie used for improving the visitor experience on the website.
sbjs_current_add
3 months
This cookie is to identify the source of a visit and store user action information about it in a cookies. This is a analytic and behavioural cookie used for improving the visitor experience on the website.
sbjs_first
3 months
This cookie is to identify the source of a visit and store user action information about it in a cookies. This is a analytic and behavioural cookie used for improving the visitor experience on the website.
sbjs_first_add
3 months
This cookie is to identify the source of a visit and store user action information about it in a cookies. This is a analytic and behavioural cookie used for improving the visitor experience on the website.
sbjs_migrations
3 months
This cookie is to identify the source of a visit and store user action information about it in a cookies. This is a analytic and behavioural cookie used for improving the visitor experience on the website.
sbjs_session
30 minutes
This cookie is to identify the source of a visit and store user action information about it in a cookies. This is a analytic and behavioural cookie used for improving the visitor experience on the website.
sbjs_udata
3 months
This cookie is to identify the source of a visit and store user action information about it in a cookies. This is a analytic and behavioural cookie used for improving the visitor experience on the website.
_ga
2 years
The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_134623692_1
1 minute
Set by Google to distinguish users.
_ga_GYD4PG3JH4
2 years
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics.
_gid
1 day
Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Cookie
Duration
Description
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
5 months 27 days
A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.
YSC
session
YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.
yt-remote-connected-devices
never
YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt-remote-device-id
never
YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt.innertube::nextId
never
This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
yt.innertube::requests
never
This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Cookie
Duration
Description
AnalyticsSyncHistory
1 month
No description
EBWASID
past
No description
engagebay
4 months
EngageBay sets this cookie to create and share marketing, sales and customer service content. Service can also be used to help organize sales data about a company’s sales pipeline (e.g., leads, customers, deals, etc.). The information added to the Subscription Service, either by site visitors providing their contact information or when a Subscription Service user adds the information, is stored and managed on our service providers' servers. This information is then used to contact visitors about their interest in the company's goods or services and interact with the company. EngageBay provides the Subscription Service to our customers for their own marketing, lead generation, and customer service needs, and we use it to meet EngageBay’s related needs.