Green Limerick: Homeowners encouraged to avail of heating grants

SHOW FOSSIL fuels the door this winter, as Limerick homeowners are reminded that a range of grants for energy-efficient heat pumps are available to them.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is encouraging Limerick homeowners to show fossil fuels the door by replacing their old oil or gas boilers with more energy-saving heat pumps, so they can enjoy the benefits of having a more sustainable home.

Budget 2025 saw a record level of government allocations to SEAI home energy upgrade grants.

This investment by the government and the reduction in VAT on heat pumps to 9%, means the SEAI says now is “the perfect time for you to invest in upgrading your home”.

In the first half of 2024, almost 1,000 homes across Limerick availed of home energy upgrade grants through SEAI, saving thousands of euros both in installation costs, and afterwards in monthly energy bills.

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Highlighting the range of grants on offer, Brian McIntyre, retrofit advisor at SEAI said: “2024 is shaping up to be another significant year of delivery with strong demand across all the major home energy upgrade programmes.

“At SEAI, we offer a range of home energy upgrade grants to suit most budgets and circumstances. Some homeowners will want to upgrade their home on a phased basis, while others may want to do a complete retrofit at once.

“For the latter, going through an SEAI registered One Stop Shop will mean that the project is managed from start to finish, making the process hassle-free for the homeowner in Limerick.”

Regardless of which grant route homeowners choose, Mr McIntyre highlighted the importance of following the correct steps to get the most from your home energy upgrade.

He said: “Home energy upgrades will have a transformational effect, creating more cost-efficient and healthier homes, and increasing the value of properties through improved BER ratings.

“To ensure you get the most from your upgrade, we recommend you start with a home energy assessment to understand which upgrades are best suited for you.”