Is My Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?
Most Irish homes built before 2021 can install a heat pump. Here’s exactly what determines suitability, and what to do if your home isn’t ready yet.
Check My Eligibility →The Suitability Checklist
- Home built and occupied before 2021
- Heat Loss Indicator (HLI) of 2.0 or below
- Adequate attic and wall insulation
- Outdoor space for the unit (air source) or garden/borehole access (ground source)
- Willingness to upgrade radiators if required — see our upgrade guide
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) requires a Heat Loss Indicator of 2.0 or below for grant approval. This is calculated using the DEAP (Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure) software during a BER assessment.
Understanding the Heat Loss Indicator
The HLI measures how much heat your home loses. Lower is better — a well-insulated home retains heat, so a heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard.
What if My HLI Is Above 2.0?
This doesn’t mean you can’t get a heat pump — it means insulation upgrades are needed first. SEAI provides separate grants for attic insulation (up to €2,000), cavity wall insulation (up to €1,800), and external wall insulation (up to €8,000). Many homeowners complete insulation upgrades first, then apply for the heat pump grant once the HLI is below 2.0.
See the full stackable grants table on our SEAI Heat Pump Grant page.
Check Your Home’s Eligibility
Fill in your details and an SEAI-registered installer will assess your home’s suitability, free of charge.
Home Suitability FAQ
Yes. Apartments are eligible for a modified grant of up to €9,500 for air-to-water systems, and typically use smaller units suited to the property size.
Often, yes. Pre-2007 homes require a Technical Assessment and may need insulation upgrades to reach the required Heat Loss Indicator of 2.0 or below.
A registered assessor calculates your HLI during a Technical Assessment or BER assessment using the DEAP software.