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Important Update: Changes to Heat Pump Grant Application Process for Homes Built Before 2006

February 12, 20250

As of February 25, 2025, significant changes are being made to the application process for heat pump grants in Ireland. Homeowners of dwellings constructed before December 31, 2006, will no longer be required to undergo a Technical Assessment as part of their heat pump grant application, provided they meet certain conditions related to their Building Energy Rating (BER).

Key Changes for Homeowners:

  1. Valid BER Certificate & Advisory Report: If you are a homeowner of a property built before December 31, 2006, and you hold a valid BER Certificate and Advisory Report, you may now apply for a heat pump grant without the need for a technical assessment, as long as the Advisory Report states a compliant Heat Loss Indicator (HLI) of 2.3 W/m².k or below.
  2. Self-Declaration Form: To complete the application process, homeowners will be required to submit a self-declaration form. This form will confirm the following:
    • Year of Construction: The homeowner will confirm the year their property was built.
    • BER Certificate & Advisory Report: The homeowner will confirm they hold a valid BER Certificate and Advisory Report that states a compliant Heat Loss Indicator (HLI) of 2.3 W/m².k or below.
    • Opting Out of Technical Assessment: The homeowner must acknowledge that they are choosing to forgo the Technical Assessment.

How to Verify Your BER and Advisory Report:

Homeowners can easily verify their BER and Advisory Report by visiting the following link:
BER and Advisory Report Search

In order to access the report, you will need to provide your MPRN number (Meter Point Reference Number), which is a unique identifier for your property’s electricity connection.

Why Is This Change Being Implemented?

This new measure is designed to streamline the grant application process and make it easier for homeowners to access funding for heat pump installations, without the delays and costs associated with the Technical Assessment. The goal is to support more efficient heating solutions while reducing administrative burdens, especially for those whose homes already meet the required energy efficiency standards.

Important Notes:

  • Validity of BER Certificate: Ensure your BER Certificate and Advisory Report are up-to-date and contain the necessary information. If you don’t have these documents or need an updated report, it may be necessary to request a new BER assessment.
  • Self-Declaration Process: Carefully complete the self-declaration form as this will be part of the application process. Inaccurate information could delay or invalidate your application.

Conclusion:

These changes represent a major shift in how heat pump grants are processed for homes built before 2006, simplifying the process and making it easier for homeowners to make the transition to more sustainable heating solutions. Be sure to check your BER status, confirm your compliance with the HLI requirements, and submit your self-declaration form when applying for your heat pump grant.

For more information, visit the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) website or contact your local authority.

Heat Pumps, Precision Heating News

Jack Chambers Visits Precision Heating to Discuss VAT Reduction on Heat Pump Supply and Installation

December 16, 20240

Precision Heating was delighted to welcome Minister of Finance Jack Chambers to their facility to discuss the recently proposed VAT reduction on the supply and installation of heat pumps. The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of this initiative and its potential to drive the adoption of energy-efficient heating solutions across homes in Ireland.

The Bill, set to take effect from 1 January 2025, introduces a reduced VAT rate of 9% on heat pumps that meet specific technical standards. This targeted measure aims to make heat pumps more affordable for homeowners, encouraging widespread uptake as part of Ireland’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable energy solutions.

During the visit, Minister Chambers engaged with the Precision Heating team and industry stakeholders to gain insights into the benefits of heat pumps and the challenges faced in transitioning to greener technologies. Precision Heating, a leading provider of innovative heating systems, showcased their state-of-the-art products, underscoring the role of advanced heat pump technology in achieving national energy efficiency goals.

Speaking at the event, Minister Chambers commented:
“This reduction in VAT is a significant step in supporting homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy solutions. Heat pumps play a crucial role in our climate action plan, and this measure will make them more accessible, helping families lower their energy bills and reduce carbon footprints.”

Precision Heating welcomed the government’s commitment to supporting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. The company emphasized the importance of financial incentives in encouraging consumers to invest in sustainable heating solutions and highlighted their readiness to meet the growing demand for heat pump installations.

Stephen Browne technical director at Precision Heating, added:
“We are thrilled to see progress on this initiative. Reducing the VAT rate on heat pumps will not only make them more affordable but will also accelerate the transition towards cleaner, greener heating systems in Irish homes. At Precision Heating, we are committed to providing top-quality products to heat pump installers to help homeowners embrace this positive change.”

The visit concluded with a demonstration of Precision Heating’s Viessmann Vitocal R290 heat pump systems, showcasing their efficiency, environmental benefits, and technical compliance with the upcoming standards.

 

 

 

Heating & Ventilation

Exploring Heat Pump Installation in Ireland

April 22, 20240

Discover the ins and outs of heat pump installation in Ireland, including costs, grants, savings, and optimal air-to-water heat pump choices.

How Do Heat Pumps Function?

Heat pump systems harness energy from the air or ground to furnish heating and hot water. By harnessing existing heat from the environment, they eschew the need for burning fuels.

Typically mounted on an exterior wall, heat pumps can heat rooms via radiators or underfloor heating while delivering hot water on demand for taps, showers, and baths.

Read more