One of the biggest misconceptions Activ8 Energies hears is that heat pumps need warm weather to work effectively. In reality, modern air source heat pumps are designed specifically for cool, temperate climates like Ireland’s.
Heat pumps extract heat from the air even at low temperatures, and today’s systems perform efficiently year-round. Countries colder than Ireland, such as those in Scandinavia, have been successfully using heat pumps for decades. The question isn’t whether they work here — it’s whether your home is properly prepared for one.
At Activ8 Energies, we’ve found that a heat pump performs best when it’s matched properly to the home it’s installed in.
Well-insulated homes retain heat, allowing a heat pump to run efficiently at lower temperatures. Poor insulation forces the system to work harder, increasing running costs and reducing comfort.
That’s why Activ8’s One Stop Shop service is so important. Rather than installing a heat pump in isolation, we assess your home holistically — insulation, ventilation, heating distribution and controls — and upgrade what’s needed to make the system work properly.
Many Irish homes were designed around oil or gas boilers operating at high temperatures. Heat pumps work differently, delivering consistent low-temperature heat.
This doesn’t automatically mean replacing everything — but radiators, pipework and controls may need upgrading. Recognising this, the Government has expanded the heat pump grant to include:
That’s how the new €12,500 maximum heat pump grant is structured — and Activ8 Energies manages this entire process for customers through our One Stop Shop.
The increased heat pump grant, available from 3rd February 2026, is designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to adoption: upfront cost.
Importantly, the grant applies not just to new applications, but also to applications already in progress with SEAI(where payment has not yet been processed). This has made heat pumps a far more realistic option for many households that were previously unsure.
At Activ8 Energies, we guide customers through:
You deal with one experienced team from start to finish.
A common question Activ8 receives is whether heat pumps are only suitable for new builds. The answer is no — but older homes need a more considered approach.
Rather than treating a heat pump as a standalone product, we look at how your home works as a whole and make sure everything is aligned for comfort and efficiency.
This means checking insulation levels, heat distribution and system sizing so your heat pump runs smoothly, quietly and cost-effectively from day one. In many cases, small adjustments made at the outset can significantly improve performance and long-term running costs — helping homeowners get the best possible value from both their system and the available grants.
The Government’s increased grants reflect this reality, acknowledging that whole-house upgrades are often necessary for heat pumps to perform properly in Ireland.
While upfront costs often dominate the conversation, long-term performance is what really matters. When installed correctly in a suitably upgraded home, heat pumps offer:
Many Activ8 customers choose to combine solar panels and heat pumps, maximising self-generated electricity and reducing reliance on the grid — an approach that aligns perfectly with Ireland’s energy future.
With over 25,000 installations completed and nearly 20 years’ experience, Activ8 Energies is one of Ireland’s most trusted home energy upgrade specialists.
Our One Stop Shop service means:
From grant applications and financing options to installation and aftercare, Activ8 supports homeowners at every step — ensuring heat pumps are not just installed, but installed properly.
If you’re considering a heat pump, now is the time to explore whether your home is ready — and what upgrades could make it work best for you.
Click the button to return to our blog