Home energy upgrades
Ireland's 2026 heat-pump grant: what oil-heated homes should check
SEAI's heat-pump grant for an oil-heated house is up to €14,500 from 6 October 2026, including €2,000 for scrapping the oil boiler. What you get depends on the dwelling, heat loss and the work your contractor designs.
Maximum
€14,500
For a water-based heat pump in a house, from 6 October 2026, including the boiler scrappage grant.
Boiler scrappage
€2,000
For removing an oil or gas boiler when the heat pump goes in. It can't be claimed on its own.
First action
Before works
Apply for and accept the SEAI grant offer before the installation begins.
From 3 February 2026, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) raised its Heat Pump System grant from a maximum of €6,500 to up to €12,500, part of a package of new and enhanced home-energy grants announced on 27 January 2026. The scheme covers the Republic of Ireland.
What the €14,500 maximum contains
Three grants. The central-heating part depends on the work the installation design needs. From February until 5 October the maximum was €12,500: €6,500 for the heat pump, €2,000 for central heating and a €4,000 Renewable Heat Bonus.
| Grant element | Maximum | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump | Up to €10,500 | The heat-pump installation itself. |
| Central heating upgrade | Up to €2,000 | Radiators, underfloor heating or other central-heating work the system needs. |
| Boiler scrappage | €2,000 | Removing an existing oil or gas boiler as part of the heat-pump installation. |
Limits by home type, from 6 October 2026:
| System or check | House types | Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based systemsAir-to-water, ground-to-water, exhaust-air-to-water or water-to-water. | Up to €14,500 | Up to €11,500 |
| Air-to-airDistributes heat through air units and does not provide hot water. | Up to €9,500 | Up to €9,500 |
| Technical assessmentRequired for many homes built before 2007 unless the valid BER meets SEAI's heat-loss condition. | €200 | €200 |
What an oil-heated home needs to qualify
- An 11-digit MPRN, and a home built and occupied before 2021. SEAI lists owner-occupiers and private or commercial landlords among the applicants, subject to the scheme conditions.
- Low enough heat loss. Homes built before 2007 generally need a technical assessment unless a valid BER shows the required level. Newer homes can usually self-declare, but still need heat loss low enough for the heat pump to run efficiently.
- A design that earns each part. The scrappage grant needs the oil or gas boiler removed as part of the job, and the central-heating grant covers required upgrade work only, so the total isn't certain until the contractor has designed the system.
- SEAI says a grant cannot exceed the total cost of the works.
Before the oil boiler comes out
- Use an SEAI-registered contractor, with a written quote that separates the heat pump, radiators or pipework, other building work, payment terms and warranties.
- Apply for and accept the grant offer before work begins. SEAI says work started before the application and accepted offer is not eligible for payment.
- An accepted offer is valid for eight months. The grant is drawn down once the works, post-works BER and payment paperwork are complete.
The grant says nothing about what a particular heat pump will cost to run compared with oil. That needs a property-specific assessment and a written comparison of the proposed works and energy use.
If you stay on oil
Check recent county prices
Recent oil prices while you weigh an upgrade. The oil supplier confirms the total when you order.
Keep watch
Set a heating-oil price alert
Track a county and fill size while you plan.