This is probably one of the most common concerns we hear.
Ireland isn’t exactly famous for tropical sunshine, so it’s understandable that people assume heat pumps need warm weather to work properly. In reality, modern air-source heat pumps are designed to perform efficiently in climates colder than ours - including Scandinavia.
Heat pumps don’t rely on heat from sunshine. They extract heat from the air, even at low temperatures, and upgrade it for use in your home. Irish weather is not a barrier - it’s what these systems are built for.
At Activ8 Energies, every heat pump system is designed specifically for Irish conditions.
Many homeowners believe heat pumps only work in new builds.
The truth is, most heat pump installations in Ireland are in existing homes. What matters isn’t the age of the house - it’s whether heat is retained properly and distributed evenly.
That doesn’t mean major disruption or tearing everything apart. In many cases, small, targeted improvements make a big difference. Through Activ8’s SEAI-approved One Stop Shop, we improve insulation where needed, optimise heat distribution and ensure the system is correctly sized for the home.
This concern often comes from poorly designed systems or incorrect expectations.
Heat pumps work best when they provide steady, low-temperature heat throughout the day. When sized and set up correctly, they can significantly reduce running costs compared to oil or gas — especially as energy prices continue to increase.
With heat pump grants now increased to up to €12,500, the upfront barrier has reduced dramatically, making the overall switch far more accessible for Irish households.
Some homes may need adjustments to their radiators, but that doesn’t automatically mean replacing every rad in the house. The focus is on ensuring warmth is delivered evenly and efficiently — without creating unnecessary work.
As part of Activ8’s One Stop Shop approach, each home is assessed individually so upgrades are practical, proportionate and planned properly from the outset.
Traditional heating systems tend to blast heat for short periods - radiators roaring into life, then cooling off again. Heat pumps work differently. They maintain a consistent indoor temperature throughout the day.
Homeowners often describe the result as a home with no cold starts in the morning, no dramatic temperature swings, and rooms that stay comfortably warm without constant adjustment.
Many Activ8 customers tell us their home simply feels right - warm, steady and comfortable day to day.
Most heat pump horror stories don’t come down to the technology 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.
That’s why Activ8 Energies focuses on planning first, installation second. With over 20 years’ experience and 25,000+ installations across Ireland, our role isn’t just to fit equipment - it’s to guide homeowners through the process with confidence.
Heat pumps are no longer a niche technology in Ireland. With grants at their highest level ever and more homeowners making the switch, they’re becoming part of everyday life.
But myths have a habit of sticking around long after they stop being true.
If you’re hearing mixed messages about heat pumps - especially after the recent grant increase - the most important thing is to separate outdated assumptions from real, up-to-date information.
And if you want help understanding whether a heat pump makes sense for your home, Activ8 Energies is there to help you plan it properly.
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