A heat pump is the biggest single home energy upgrade most people consider — and it attracts the biggest SEAI grant. Here’s what it actually costs in Ireland in 2026, what the grant takes off, and how to judge a quote.
Short answer
An air-to-water heat pump — the most common choice — is usually quoted at around €10,000–€16,000 installed before the grant. With the SEAI grant of up to €12,500, your net cost is far lower. Ground-source systems cost more; air-to-air less.
Cost by system type
| System type | Typical before grant | SEAI grant | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-to-water | €10,000–€16,000 | up to €12,500 | Most homes with radiators/underfloor |
| Ground source | €18,000–€25,000+ | up to €12,500 | Larger homes with garden/borehole space |
| Air-to-air | €5,000–€10,000 | €7,500 | Smaller homes; no wet heating system |
Ranges, not quotes
These are indicative market ranges to help you judge a quote — not SEAI figures. Get 2–3 written quotes from SEAI-registered installers for your home.
What drives the price
- System type and size — ground source is far more expensive to install than air source.
- Emitter upgrades — heat pumps run cooler, so you may need bigger radiators or underfloor heating.
- Your home’s heat loss — a leaky home needs a larger, costlier system (and should be insulated first).
- Hot water cylinder and controls.
What the grant takes off
The SEAI heat pump grant is a bundle of up to €12,500 for a house — the heat pump unit (up to €6,500), a central-heating upgrade (up to €2,000) and a renewable heat bonus (up to €4,000) when you replace an oil, gas, solid-fuel or electric storage system. Full detail and how to apply is in our heat pump grant guide.
Don’t forget running costs
The upfront price is only half the story. A heat pump delivers 3–4 units of heat per unit of electricity, so in a well-insulated home it can be as cheap to run as gas or oil — sometimes cheaper. In a poorly insulated home it works harder and can cost more. That’s why we always say insulate first: see attic insulation and the insulation guide.
Note
Costs and grant rules change. This is general information, not financial advice — confirm the current grant with SEAI and get written quotes before deciding.