The Government has announced a wide-ranging package of new and enhanced home energy upgrade supports under the National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026, aimed at making retrofitting more affordable and accessible for homeowners across Ireland.
Homeowners could soon benefit from significantly increased financial support for energy upgrades under new retrofit measures expected to be announced by the Minister for Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport, Darragh O’Brien.
Under the proposed changes, attic insulation grants are set to rise to a fixed payment of €1,800, up from the current €1,500 cap for detached homes, with lower rates applying to other property types. This represents an increase of €300 for many households.
Heat pump grant supports are also expected to improve substantially. The maximum eligible cost will rise to €12,000, with the State covering up to 80% of the expense — equivalent to €9,600. At present, detached homeowners can claim a grant of €6,500. In some cases, the grant level will increase by €700 where a €12,000 upgrade is undertaken, bringing State support to €7,200. Fixed grant amounts for heat pumps will be introduced from March 3, with levels to be reviewed after two years.
For the first time, grants for windows and doors will be made available as standalone upgrades. Owners of semi-detached homes will be able to access grants of up to €3,000, with the State covering approximately 30% to 40% of costs. Previously, such works had to be carried out alongside other retrofit measures.
Overall, €558 million will be allocated to SEAI retrofit grants, highlighting the Government’s focus on tackling energy affordability. Electricity prices rose by an average of 4.7% last year, while around 300,000 households are currently in arrears on their energy bills, according to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.
Approximately 240,000 homes have already been retrofitted nationwide. To build on this, the Minister is progressing plans for a “retrofit passport”, aimed at helping middle-income households upgrade their homes gradually rather than undertaking costly deep retrofits all at once.
The revised grant structure is intended to make supports more attractive and accessible. From March 3, fixed-amount attic insulation grants will also be available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme for first-time buyers of existing homes.
It is estimated that around 65,000 households will avail of energy upgrade grants this year. Mr O’Brien has said the aim is to permanently reduce household energy bills, particularly for those struggling with arrears, while also cutting emissions.
These measures come as Ireland faces challenges in meeting its 2030 climate targets. The national retrofit plan published in 2024 set a goal of upgrading 500,000 homes to a B2 BER rating and installing 400,000 heat pumps to replace fossil fuel systems by the end of the decade.
As Ireland accelerates its transition away from fossil fuels, the R290 heat pump has emerged as one of the most efficient, future-proof heating solutions available. At the forefront of this technology is the Viessmann Vitocal range, delivering exceptional performance, high flow temperatures, and ultra-low environmental impact—specifically engineered for the demands of Irish homes.
This article explores why R290 heat pumps, and in particular Viessmann Vitocal heat pumps, are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for homeowners, installers, and specifiers across Ireland.
An R290 heat pump uses propane (R290) as its refrigerant. Propane is a natural refrigerant with outstanding thermodynamic properties and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3, compared to over 2,000 for many traditional refrigerants.
Key advantages of R290 include:
Extremely low environmental impact
Higher seasonal efficiency (SCOP)
Excellent performance in cold climates
Capability to deliver high flow temperatures up to 70°C
These characteristics make R290 heat pumps ideal for both new builds and retrofit projects in Ireland.
Ireland’s housing stock presents a unique challenge: a high proportion of existing homes with radiator systems designed for oil or gas boilers. Many homeowners assume heat pumps are unsuitable for retrofit—this is no longer the case.
A Viessmann R290 heat pump can operate efficiently at higher flow temperatures, allowing it to work seamlessly with upgraded radiators or even existing systems in many cases.
Benefits for Irish homes include:
Reliable heating performance at outdoor temperatures as low as -22°C
Reduced need for invasive underfloor heating retrofits
Lower running costs compared to oil and gas
Full compliance with SEAI grant requirements
The Viessmann Vitocal heat pump range, particularly the Vitocal 150-A , represents a new generation of R290 air source heat pumps designed for real-world conditions.
Flow temperatures up to 70°C without electric backup
Advanced scroll compressor technology
Exceptionally quiet operation—ideal for urban and suburban settings
Integrated 7” HD touchscreen controller
Built-in energy monitoring and internet connectivity
Smart grid and PV-ready functionality
These features position Viessmann as a market leader in R290 heat pump technology in Ireland.
Efficiency is a critical ranking factor for homeowners researching heat pumps. Viessmann Vitocal R290 units deliver:
SCOP values exceeding 5.0 (system dependent)
Lower electricity consumption per kWh of heat produced
Optimised defrost cycles for damp Irish winters
When combined with correct system design—heat loss calculations, radiator sizing, and weather compensation—running costs can be reduced by 50–70% compared to oil boilers.
Ideal match for low-temperature heating systems
Achieves A-rated BER with ease
Supports future carbon-neutral targets
High flow temperatures enable compatibility with radiators
Reduced disruption compared to older heat pump systems
Excellent option for replacing oil or LPG boilers
Viessmann’s R290 heat pumps are specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional heating and renewable technology.
While propane is flammable, Viessmann has engineered its Vitocal R290 heat pumps with multiple safety layers, including:
Factory-sealed refrigerant circuits
External monobloc design
Continuous refrigerant monitoring
Compliance with all EU and Irish safety standards
This makes Viessmann R290 heat pumps safe, reliable, and installer-friendly.
Homeowners installing a Viessmann R290 heat pump may qualify for SEAI heat pump grants, subject to eligibility and system design.
Typical grant benefits include:
Up to €6,500 for heat pump installation
Additional supports for insulation upgrades
Long-term reduction in energy costs and carbon emissions
Choosing a premium system like Viessmann ensures compliance with SEAI technical standards and long-term performance assurance.
When searching for the best R290 heat pump in Ireland, Viessmann stands out for several reasons:
German engineering and manufacturing excellence
Proven performance in European climates
Industry-leading warranties and support
Strong installer and training network in Ireland
Viessmann Vitocal heat pumps are not just compliant with today’s regulations—they are designed for the energy systems of the future.
The R290 heat pump represents the next evolution in sustainable home heating, and Viessmann Vitocal heat pumps are leading this transition in Ireland. With high efficiencies, high flow temperatures, and ultra-low environmental impact, they are ideally suited to both modern homes and older properties.
For homeowners seeking a future-proof, grant-supported, and high-performance heating solution, a Viessmann R290 heat pump is one of the strongest investments available today.
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