As we prepare for the colder winter months, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI ), has launched a new campaign to encourage homeowners to invest in home energy upgrades.
"Doing this will give you a warmer, cosier home, with lower energy bills and significantly reduce your impact on the environment. SEAI provides a range of Government-funded home energy upgrade grants that make it easier than ever before to improve the comfort of your home," SEAI stated.
"Families in Westmeath will enjoy a warmer, cosier, more energy efficient home this winter having already begun their home energy upgrade journey with the support of SEAI. As we head into the winter, now is the perfect time for people to upgrade their home and enjoy a whole new world of comfort," Declan Meally, Director of Business and Public Sector with SEAI, stated.
SEAI recommends that homeowners considering a home energy upgrade start with a Building Energy Rating or BER assessment, carried out by a SEAI registered assessor. The assessor will prepare a personalised advisory report for your home, setting out the necessary upgrades to bring it up to the modern efficiency and comfort standards.
"Once you get your personalised advisory report you will know exactly what your home needs. You’ll also have a broad idea on the cost of the upgrade and the grants available to help fund the works."
There are a range of Government-funded home energy upgrade grants available through SEAI. These provide up to 30 percent of the overall cost of works on a variety of energy upgrades.
Homeowners can apply for individual grants for insulation, heating controls, heat pumps and solar panels. The grants are fixed amounts ranging from €400 up to €6,000 depending on the works to be undertaken and the size of house.
Alternatively, homeowners can avail of the one-stop-shop service currently being offered by several companies. These one-stop-shops will manage the whole process, including grant application and works, on behalf of homeowners. SEAI also offers free home energy upgrades to qualifying homeowners in receipt of certain social welfare benefits.
More information on home energy upgrades is available at: www.seai.ie/homeenergyupgrade
