Is your antiquated boiler nearing the end of its lifespan? The ideal moment to begin arranging for an environmentally-friendly transition to a heat pump is now. It can provide a more steady, efficient heat source for your house.
The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) is motivating homeowners equipped with old oil or gas boilers to give fossil fuels the boot by opting for a greener, reliable, and energy-saving heat pump system.
An upgrade to heat-pumping and improved insulation will result in a more sanitary and snug dwelling. Additionally, the Government has funded SEAI Home Energy Upgrade grants to support homeowners, with a grant of up to €10,500 available for heat pump installations through the SEAI’s One Stop Shop service.
Heat pumps, fuelled by electricity, an increasingly renewable resource, provide a greener alternative to oil or gas boilers. This makes them one of the most eco-friendly heating systems available to Irish homes.
Heat pumps are a favoured solution in Scandinavia and have proven to work effectively in the Irish climate. The system can accommodate both ancient and modern well-insulated houses.
More than 100,000 homeowners have already installed a heat pump and are reaping the benefits of improved comfort in their homes. The heat pump is now a standard feature in most newly built houses.
There exist over 400,000 homes where the insulation is sufficient for the efficient operation of a heat pump. Nonetheless, many homeowners are holding off until their current oil or gas boilers stop functioning before transitioning.
But waiting for a breakdown might be a poor decision, says Tom Halpin, who recently substituted his oil-fired boiler.
In the month of July, following a series of warning signs of wear and tear, the SEAI’s Head of Communications finally made the switch from an old oil-fuelled boiler to a heat pump.
Readers may find it surprising him waiting so long, considering his position. However, employees of the SEAI who are well aware of the advantages of heat pump systems, still face the same issues, priorities, and fiscal considerations as any homeowner, as he explains.
Tom, a family man with a wife and two grown children, resides in a dormer bungalow in Meath, a property that was constructed in 1995 and which they purchased two decades ago. At that time, heat pumps was a barely-known commodity in Ireland, and since their property wasn’t part of a gas network, they opted for an oil boiler installation.
While the oil boiler served them well over the years, recent maintenance sessions have indicated that its life expectancy might be nearing its end. Before the inevitable demise of their boiler, Tom decided to start planning proactively earlier this year. His key advice, stemming from this real-life experience, is to start researching heat pumps in advance to prevent making an impromptu, possibly second-best decision when the existing boiler finally gives out.
Tom adds, according to his perspective, that investing in a new boiler would be considered a reluctant yet necessary purchase signifying persisting dependence on a dispensable technology, particularly when considering fluctuating fossil fuel prices and surging carbon taxes. Conversely, embracing a heat pump represents a progressive step. This could essentially tie you down to a method that evolves over the next decade or so, with increasing benefits.
A couple of years back, Tom had initiated his transition towards heat pumps by boosting the insulation in his cavity walls, courtesy of an SEAI grant. Although his house wasn’t declared a Ber when he initially acquired it, an upgrade to a post-insulation Ber of C1 came as a pleasant revelation. This meant only a few minor upgrades were necessary for his home to be perfectly insulated and airtight, thus enabling the effective working of a heat pump. He proceeded with the installation of two advanced exterior doors, and an insert stove in one open flue deteriorating in the property.
Tom concluded that his house was at last suitable for a heat pump, a choice guided by the manifold advantages he comprehended through his professional background. A heat pump offered enhanced comfort, reduced emissions, constant hot water supply, and eliminated concerns about maintaining oil tank levels or worrying about refills. Plus, the worry about the immersion switch was dismissed.
There’s a frequent fallacy that heat pumps only function in conjunction with underfloor heating. However, the radiators in Tom’s house are completely compatible with the heat pump he decided on.
Tom confesses he had initial worries about the potential inconvenience of the process and the possibility of needing to swap out some of his radiators. However, the operations were completed seamlessly within two days while Tom continued his home-based work. All the radiators remained intact, except for one that needed to be adjusted to fit the size of his home office for maximum comfort.
The most significant revamp was the installation of a larger cylinder in the hot press to cater to the new device. His provider routed the necessary water pipes from the loft, ensuring minimal disturbance.
According to Tom, advance planning is vital. He needed to communicate with a variety of providers, organise a home inspection, and a technical evaluation in person to be eligible for the SEAI heat pump grant. Experts for these tasks are all arranged via your provider.
Tom argues that this kind of planning is no different from revamping a kitchen or installing double-glazed windows.
Benefits aplenty.
Tom is especially impressed with the intelligent heating system that segment the house into individual zones after the work. As recent empty nesters, he and his partner have the benefit of modifying their heating needs per zone. The solution, designed specifically for his house, brings him profound satisfaction.
“We’re now equipped with a replacement heat system that is significantly smarter, more user-friendly, far more efficient, and less polluting than just swapping out a boiler,” Tom states.
It’s infinitely more comfortable too. His previous system, which was programmed to turn on and off at specific times, required constant attention.
“We always questioned whether we should keep it running an extra hour. With a heat pump, however, the house’s temperature remains consistent and comfortable,” Tom clarifies.
This is particularly beneficial given his work-from-home lifestyle. He admits that he, like many others, has tried to abstain from using heat during the day.
“Stay-at-home parents with children also know this experience – trying to make do with slightly less heat than they desire. With a heat pump, there’s no need for compromise. A comfortable living environment is achievable 24/7.”
Taking the heat for improvement.
In the course of calculating his financials, Tom took into account the imminent need to swap his old boiler for a new one. Although a heat pump might come with a hefty price tag of over €15,000, the opportunity to obtain a €6,500 Individual Energy Upgrade grant from SEAI for the stated appliance factored significantly into his thinking. He was even awarded a €200 grant to assist with the technical review expenses.
To settle the rest of the bill, he availed himself of an eco-friendly, low-interest loan from a credit union. Even though such an expenditure was substantial, Tom was comforted by the knowledge that he would be enhancing the worth of his property, largely due to an improved Ber rating. This was a key part in helping him make his decision.
Tom stated, “The outlay on insulation and a more energy-efficient heat pump system will drastically cut our energy consumption and lead to savings on our monthly utility bills.” The added bonus, he claims, is that “We will no longer have to pay for oil refills!”