FREE MONEY. WHO doesn’t want some of that?

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) wants to give you money. Lots of money – up to a maximum of €4500, which is nothing to be sneezed at.

What’s the catch? You have to upgrade your house to become more energy efficient.

Better Energy Homes is a Government scheme which gives fixed cash grants for insulation and heating system upgrades, helping to make your home more comfortable and cheaper to run.

USDAgov USDAgov

So what upgrades are eligible for a grant?

You can get a grant if you’re upgrading or adding-

• Solar heating
• Attic insulation
• Wall insulation – cavity wall, internal dry lining or external insulation
• Heating controls upgrade
• and to get a cuilding energy rating (BER) assessment on your home

Let’s talk money - 

There are various amounts available depending on what part of your house you’re making more energy efficient.

Here’s a chart from the SEAI outlining the increased (from March 2015) grant amounts available -

SEAI SEAI

How do I get the money?

There are seven steps

1. Decide what you’re getting done and what grant you’re applying for
2. Pick an SEAI registered contractor
3. Apply for the SEAI grant and get approved
4. Get the work done by the contractor
5. Get your house assessed by a BER (building energy ratings) assessor
6. Submit your completed forms to the SEAI
7. Get those dolla dollas direct to your bank account (about 4-6 weeks after you apply)

University of Salford University of Salford

Some things to remember…

• You must be the owner and your house must have been built and occupied before 2006.
• Landlords of multiple properties can apply, but they must submit separate applications
• The grants are a set value of up to 30% of the average cost of works. If you spend below this amount, only the actual expenditure will be reimbursed.
• You must have a BER (building energy rating) undertaken on your home after the works have been completed. You’re eligible for a grant of €50 towards the cost of that too.
• You must use an SEAI registered contracter to install all your grant aided measures.
• The grant offer is only valid for six months. You must get all your works done in that time.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

The Better Energy Homes scheme was re-launched in March 2015. There were a number of key changes.

1.  The removal of the minimum grant requirement of €400
2. You can get bonuses – €300 for your 3rd and €100 for your 4th Energy Efficiency Measures
3. The grant amounts have been revised – see chart below

How can I apply?

You can apply by post or do an online application here.

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