SEAI’s Fully Funded Home Energy Upgrade Service
Free Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Do you own a home built before 2006? Are you in receipt of Fuel Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance for over six months and with children under 7 years of age, Working Family Payment, One-Parent Family Payment, Domiciliary Care Allowance or Carers Allowance (living with the person you’re caring for)? You may be eligible for free energy efficiency upgrades!
How Does the Scheme Work?
The SEAI Fully Funded Home Energy Upgrade Service (previously known as the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme) provides insulation and energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to homeowners who are in receipt of certain welfare payments. While the list does change occasionally, currently you must own a home built before 2006 and be in receipt of Fuel Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7 years of age, Working Family Payment, One-Parent Family Payment, Domiciliary Care Allowance, or Carers Allowance and living with the person being cared for. Rented homes or those owned by a local authority are not eligible at this time. In addition, you must not have participated in the scheme before. KORE Retrofit no longer accepts applications directly. You must apply with SEAI.
Recent Changes to the Scheme
As of 8th February 2022, the Fully Funded Home Energy Upgrade Scheme will focus on upgrading the worst performing properties across Ireland. This means homes that were built and occupied before 1993 with a pre-works Building Energy Rating (BER) or E, F or G will be prioritised. If you already have an application submitted prior to this date it will not be affected. If you’ve previously had works completed under the scheme you may now be eligible for deeper measures. Qualifying payments now include those in receipt of Disability Allowance for over 6 months with a child under 7 years.
What measure are included?
Insulation
SEAI’s Fully Funded Home Energy Upgrade Service includes insulation upgrades such as external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and internal wall dry lining. The type you’ll receive depends on a variety of factors and is determined during a site survey.
Draught Proofing
To stop heat loss it’s imperative that draught proofing measures are installed around openings. This includes windows and external doors. Draught proofing measures are included at no cost under SEAI’s Fully Funded Home Energy Upgrade Service.
Ventilation
As well insulated homes become more airtight, ventilation is important to ensure the supply of fresh clean air to rooms and fuel burning appliances. The Warmer Homes Scheme includes ventilation upgrades at no cost to the homeowner.
Heating System Upgrades
In certain cases, SEAI may provide upgrades to heating systems and heating controls. This is determined during the site survey of the home and is not guaranteed. There are several requirements that must be met to receive heating system or control upgrades.
Pipe & Tank Insulation
SEAI’s Fully Funded Home Energy Upgrades provides pipe and tank insulation for both cold and hot water tanks and associated pipework. These measures ensure hot water stays warm for longer periods of time, and prevents pipes from freezing during cold weather.
LED Lighting Upgrades
The Fully Funded Home Energy Upgrade Scheme also provides homeowners with free low energy light bulbs, further reducing energy spend and associated carbon footprint. You’ll also receive a Building Energy Rating Certificate once the works are carried out.
Thousands of Satisfied Homeowners
From shallow measures like cavity wall and attic insulation, to deep energy upgrades including external wall insulation and heating system upgrades, see how we’ve helped homeowners across Ireland live more comfortably while reducing their energy spend.
