The fourth installment in our home retrofitting series takes a look at heat pumps, in collaboration with Daikin, Ireland’s leading manufacturer of renewable heating and cooling solutions.
We’ve talked about spotting the signs that your home needs an energy upgrade, the differences between shallow and deep retrofits and how solar panels can help power your home for free (when the sun’s shining).
Now let’s focus on one of the biggest heating upgrades out there: electric heat pumps. They’re energy-efficient and climate-friendly, but are they right for your home? What’s the difference between air and ground source? And will they do their job in an Irish winter?
To help answer these questions, we’ve got the lowdown from Daikin’s Retrofit Manager, April McHale.
The future of home heating
Ireland is moving away from fossil fuels and heat pumps are leading the charge.
“SEAI is spearheading our transition to clean, green, renewable energy by offering homeowners a range of generous grants and funding to help them cut the cord with fossil fuel heating in favour of efficient systems including heat pumps and solar PV” says April.
Today, nearly every new build home in Ireland has a heat pump installed—and for good reason.
“These devices deliver consistent heating and hot water using far less energy than traditional systems. By switching to a heat pump, homeowners can enjoy a cosier and healthier home—while cutting energy costs.”
More warmth, less energy? That’s a win-win.
Air source vs. ground source: key differences
A heat pump is a device that uses electricity to transfer heat from one place to another—but where they source that heat makes all the difference.
Air-to-water heat pumps
The most common type in Ireland, these pull heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors, even when it’s cold. They’re ideal for retrofits and usually more affordable than ground-source models.
Ground source heat pumps
These tap into underground temperatures to generate heat. The catch? They require underground piping, so they’re mostly found in new builds or homes with plenty of garden space.
Regardless of type, heat pumps are one of the most efficient and sustainable heating options available today.
Will a heat pump keep me warm in an Irish winter?
Absolutely, according to April:
“Ireland is a relative newcomer to heat pump technology, but these systems have been hugely popular in colder European countries for decades.”
Take Scandinavia, where temperatures plummet to -20°C in winter and people have been using heat pumps to heat their homes for over 50 years.
“In Ireland, we don’t have to worry about extreme temperatures,” she adds. “Heat pumps continue operating normally, no matter how cold or damp it gets. Daikin’s heat pumps are built in Europe which means they’re perfectly suitable for the homes and winters here!”
So, if you’re picturing yourself shivering next to a heat pump, don’t. These systems keep your home consistently warm—even on our dampest, chilliest days.
(And if you see water dripping off your outdoor unit? Totally normal. Just Irish humidity doing its thing.)
Underfloor heating vs. radiators: which works best?
Fortunately, heat pumps work with both. But because they run at lower temperatures than oil or gas boilers, there are a few things to consider.
● Underfloor heating is ideal as it distributes heat evenly at lower temperatures.
● Radiators also work, but in a retrofit, some may need to be resized to match the heat pump’s lower flow temperature.
As April explains, “In new builds, radiators are sized for a heat pump system but in retrofits, a survey ensures existing radiators can still heat each room properly. In most cases, some radiators will need replacing.”
Either way, once your system is set up properly, you’ll get steady, energy-efficient warmth without the wild temperature swings of old-school heating.
Is your home heat pump-ready?
Before installing a heat pump, ask yourself: is your home insulated enough?
“To qualify for an SEAI heat pump grant, your home must meet a specific Heat Loss Indicator (HLI) score”, April points out. “In order for a heat pump to operate efficiently, homes must have a certain level of insulation.”
Homes built after 2007 are generally good to go. But older homes tend not to be as well-insulated, especially those built before 1995.
To check if your home is heat pump-ready, a local installer can carry out a Technical Assessment. This measures your home’s energy performance and highlights any upgrades needed including better attic and wall insulation, replacing windows and doors and improving airtightness.
Of course, the more work you do the more expensive it will be. But there is an upside:
“If you use a One Stop Shop provider, you can access up to €30,000 in grant funding from SEAI and only pay net of the grant—so you only need to cover the balance after the grant has been awarded.”
Heat pumps & solar PV: the ultimate duo
Already have solar PV (solar photovoltaic)panels? A heat pump is the perfect companion.
“Homeowners who invest in solar PV gain from lower electricity costs,” says April. “This can be a great starting point when considering a heat pump and eliminating gas or oil bills.”
Pairing a heat pump with solar panels means clean, renewable energy powering both your heating and electricity. Helping to slash bills and cut your carbon footprint in one go.
Heat pumps & home insurance
If you’re installing a heat pump, it’s important to tell your home insurance provider.
✅ Lower risk—awell-insulated, energy-efficient home may reduce insurance premiums
✅ Policy updates —you need to notify your insurer of major heating system changes.
✅ Additional coverage—some insurers offer special coverage for heat pump systems.
Good news! At Quote Devil we ensure that your home insurance reflects your retrofit—without unnecessary cost increases.
The verdict: are heat pumps worth it?
For most people, yes. If your home is well insulated, a heat pump can:
✅ Cut heating bills significantly ✅ Improve comfort levels ✅ Reduce your carbon footprint ✅ Eliminate oil and gas costs for good
With grants available, the upfront cost is lower than ever—and when combined with solar, the savings go even further.
Look out for our final article in the series: insulation, ventilation, and airtight homes. Because keeping the heat inside is just as important as generating it.
And if you’re retrofitting your home, don’t forget to check your home insurance too.
