Do you qualify for a free energy upgrade?

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides free home energy upgrades to homeowners who get certain social welfare payments.

These upgrades help improve the energy efficiency and warmth of your home and are also known as the Warmer Homes Scheme.

The scheme prioritises the oldest and least energy-efficient homes. You can apply for the free upgrades again if you’ve already had work done under the scheme, but your home would benefit from more upgrades. To access the scheme again, you must still meet the qualifying criteria.

The scheme covers these home energy upgrades:

Attic insulation

Wall insulation - including cavity wall, internal wall and external wall insulation

Draught-proofing

Lagging jackets

Energy-efficient lighting

Energy advice

New central heating systems and replacement windows are also occasionally covered by the scheme. Your windows will only be replaced if your walls are being insulated at the same time and the existing windows are single-glazed. The SEAI decides if replacement windows are needed on a case-by-case basis.

Since January 1, 2025, if you qualify for a new central heating system, the scheme will not cover a new fossil fuel boiler, such as an oil or gas boiler. However, it will cover renewable heating systems such as a heat pump.

Who qualifies for the scheme?

You must own your home and be living in it. It must have been built and occupied before 2026. Your home must have a BER of C,D,EF and you must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment. The fuel allowance is one of them. Contact your local Citizens Information Centre to check if you are on a qualifying payment.

If you don’t have a BER for your home, the SEAI will do a free BER to check your home meets the qualifying criteria of having a BER of C or lower.

Are there any costs associated with the scheme?

You will not be charged for work done under this scheme. However, if you sell your home within five years of getting the work done, you need to tell the SEAI. You should inform them in writing at least 30 days before your property is sold. The SEAI may ask you to repay some or all of the grant, at their discretion.

How does the scheme work and how do I apply?

There are 4 steps to this process:

1. Apply for the scheme online or by completing an application form and sending it back to the SEAI. You must ensure you meet the qualifying criteria above when applying. You can use the SEAI online portal to check if you qualify. You can get an application form from your local Citizens Information Centre (CIC).

2. Have an SEAI surveyor check your home is suitable for the works and recommend upgrades. The SEAI will do this if you qualify.

3. Get the works done by a contractor appointed by the SEAI

4. Get the works assessed by the SEAI once the works are completed. This will include a new BER assessment and may involve a quality inspection.

How do I apply?

You can apply online, download and complete the application form, or ask the SEAI to post the form to you. You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre (CIC) for an application form. You must meet the qualifying criteria. You can use the SEAI online portal to check this.

You need to provide evidence that you qualify for the scheme. Full details of the information needed are on the application form.

If you are getting a qualifying payment other than Carer’s Allowance, you no longer need to get the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to complete part of the application form. The SEAI will check your eligibility with the DSP.

If you qualify for the scheme because you are getting Carers Allowance, you must also complete the Carer’s Allowance Confirmation Form, which you can download or get from your local CIC

The address for SEAI is as follows:

Free Energy Upgrades (Warmer Homes Scheme), Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, P.O. Box 119, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry. Telephone: 01808 2100

Are there other options for people who do not qualify for the free upgrades?

If you do not qualify for the free upgrades, the SEAI provides other grants to help with the cost of upgrading the energy efficiency of your home.

The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme provides grants to bring your home up to an energy efficiency rating of B2 or above, using a private company to manage the work.

Or, you can get individual energy upgrade grants, if you only want to do certain upgrades, and would prefer to manage the process yourself.

Further information on this and other topics is available from Cork City Centre CIC in Cornmarket Street, open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.45am to 12.30pm and Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm, Tel 0818 07 6950 (Lines open Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm). Blackpool CIC is also open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, Tel 0818 07 6890 while Hollyhill CIC is open Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, Tel: 0818 07 6850.