What home energy upgrade should I do first?
As a rule, insulate first. Getting heat into a leaky house is money out the door, so the sensible order is to stop the heat escaping, then upgrade how you make it, then add solar.
Last checked October 2026
The usual order
- Insulation first: attic and walls. SEAI says attic insulation is often the most cost effective upgrade you can make and that your home must be well insulated to benefit from a heat pump.
- Heating controls: get more out of the heating system you already have. If you plan to get a heat pump, skip this grant, because SEAI will not pay it if you are applying for, or have already claimed, a heat pump grant.
- Heat pump: once the house holds heat well, a heat pump is efficient. A poorly insulated house is not suited to one, which is why insulation comes first.
- Solar panels: to cut your electricity bill, especially useful once you have a heat pump running on electricity.
Or let one contractor plan it
If you would rather not stage it yourself, a One Stop Shop assesses your home, plans the upgrades to reach at least a B BER and manages the whole job, with the grant taken off the price up front.
See the SEAI One Stop Shop →Checked against the official source on 20 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
Should I insulate before getting a heat pump?
Yes. Insulating first is important, because a heat pump works efficiently in a home that holds its heat. A poorly insulated house is not suited to one.
What is the cheapest upgrade to start with?
SEAI says attic insulation is often the most cost effective upgrade you can make to a home and that your home must be well insulated to benefit from a heat pump.
Where does solar fit in?
Solar panels cut your electricity bill and are especially useful once you have a heat pump, which runs on electricity. They are usually a later step.
Can someone plan the order for me?
Yes. A One Stop Shop assesses your home, plans the upgrades to reach at least a B BER and manages the whole job.
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