Irish people can be naturally sceptical. Even with the recent increase in heat pump grants, one of the most common reactions we still hear is, “Yeah, but what’s it actually going to cost me?”
It’s a fair question. Heat pumps are a serious upgrade, and nobody wants surprises halfway through the process. The honest answer? There isn’t one fixed price - because there isn’t one fixed type of home.
If you’re researching heat pump costs in Ireland, what really matters isn’t just the headline figure. It’s understanding what influences the cost in the first place.
One of the biggest factors affecting heat pump installation cost in Ireland is the size and layout of the property.
A detached home in rural Cavan will require a different system design than a mid-terrace house in Dublin. Larger homes typically require higher-capacity heat pumps, more extensive heat distribution and greater system output.
What matters most is that the system is correctly sized for the home. Oversizing or undersizing can affect comfort and long-term efficiency.
At Activ8 Energies, every heat pump installation begins with a full home assessment to ensure the system matches the property - not the other way around.
Heat pumps work best in homes that retain heat effectively.
That doesn’t mean you need a brand-new house, but it does mean attic and wall insulation matter, and your windows and doors play a big role in overall performance.
Sometimes small, targeted improvements make a big difference. Through Activ8’s SEAI-approved One Stop Shop, upgrades are planned together so heat is retained properly and warmth is distributed evenly throughout the home.
This coordinated approach often prevents unnecessary spending later.
Another key influence on heat pump cost is the current heating setup.
Some homes may need adjustments to their radiators, but that doesn’t automatically mean replacing every radiator in the house. The focus is on ensuring the system delivers steady, even warmth.
Other factors include pipework suitability, the location of the outdoor unit and electrical capacity.
Each home is different, which is why a proper survey matters more than a generic quote.
In Ireland, most homeowners install air-to-water heat pumps, which are particularly suited to our climate.
The specific model, output level and brand will influence cost - but more important than the brand is correct system design and installation quality.
At Activ8 Energies, we partner with trusted manufacturers like Mitsubishi and focus on planning first, installation second.
One of the biggest changes in 2026 has been the increase in heat pump grants.
Homeowners can now access grants of up to €12,500, significantly reducing the overall upfront cost.
When grants are applied properly:
As a One Stop Shop provider, Activ8 manages the SEAI grant process on behalf of homeowners - ensuring no available support is missed.
Some homeowners choose to combine grants with financing options such as the SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan, part of Ireland’s wider energy efficiency loan scheme.
This allows upgrades to proceed without waiting years to fund everything upfront.
When grants and finance are aligned properly, the transition becomes far more manageable.
Most “expensive heat pump” stories don’t come down to the unit itself. They come from systems that weren’t planned properly.
What really matters is that heat is retained effectively, warmth is distributed evenly and the system is correctly sized for the home.
When those basics are right, most homeowners find the numbers make a lot more sense.
Activ8 Energies has been delivering energy upgrades across Ireland for over 20 years, completing 25,000+ installations nationwide.
Our approach to heat pump installation in Ireland focuses on:
We don’t offer “off-the-shelf” pricing because homes aren’t identical. Instead, we design systems around how you live.
If you’re researching heat pump installation cost in Ireland, the best next step isn’t a rough online estimate - it’s understanding what applies to your home specifically.
With grants at their highest level ever and structured finance options available, there has rarely been a better time to explore your options.
Activ8 Energies can walk you through how the €12,500 grant applies to your home, what system would actually suit it, and what the real figures look like — so you can make a decision without guesswork.
Upgrading your heating doesn’t need to feel complicated. When it’s planned properly, it’s simply a practical step toward a warmer, more efficient home.
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