Heat Pump Grants

Key Benefits of Air to Water Heat Pumps:

• Reduced heating costs compared to traditional boilers
• Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly
• Can be integrated with other renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, for even greater efficiency

• Air-to-water heat pumps absorb heat from the air using a refrigerant
• The heat is transferred to water via a heat exchanger, warming it up
• The warm water is then distributed throughout a building for heating.
• After transferring its heat, the cooled refrigerant is cycled back to absorb more heat, continuing the process.
• The process can be reversed for cooling purposes: extracting heat from water, cooling it, and distributing it.
• These systems are efficient and environmentally friendly as they rely on heat exchange, not fossil fuel combustion.

Air-to-air heat pumps are a type of air source heat pump, which transfer heat from the outside air to the air inside a building, or vice versa

• An air-to-air heat pump absorbs heat from the outdoor air using a refrigerant fluid. This is possible due to the properties of the refrigerant, which can change from a gas to a liquid and back again at low temperatures.
• The heat pump then transfers the heat absorbed from the outside air to the indoor air. This is done using a heat exchanger. The warm refrigerant passes through the indoor unit (a coil), where it transfers its heat to the cooler indoor air.
• The warmed air is then distributed throughout the building via a duct system or directly from the indoor unit if it’s a ductless system.
• After transferring its heat to the indoor air, the refrigerant cools down and turns back into a liquid. It is then pumped back outside to absorb more heat, continuing the cycle.
• In the summer months, the process can be reversed. The heat pump can extract heat from the indoor air, effectively cooling it, and then transfer it to the outdoor air.
• Like air-to-water heat pumps, air-to-air heat pumps are energy efficient and environmentally friendly because they move heat rather than burning fuel to generate it. They require electricity to operate, but they typically produce more energy (as heat) than they consume. Their carbon footprint, therefore, depends on how the electricity they use is generated

• Energy Efficiency: Air-to-air heat pumps are highly efficient. They often produce more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume.
• Cooling and Heating: These systems can provide both cooling and heating from the same unit, making them versatile for year-round climate control.
• Environmentally Friendly: Since they transfer heat instead of burning fuel, they produce fewer carbon emissions than conventional heating systems, especially if powered by renewable electricity.
• Reduced Heating Costs: Due to their high efficiency, they can help reduce heating costs, especially when replacing traditional electric heaters, oil or gas furnaces.
• Air Filtering: Many air-to-air heat pumps have filters that can improve indoor air quality by removing dust and allergens.
• Compatibility with Solar Power: They can be powered by solar-generated electricity for an even more sustainable and cost-effective heating and cooling solution

• A refrigerant in an air-to-water heat pump, and indeed in all heat pump systems, is a crucial component that facilitates the heat transfer process. The refrigerant is a substance that can easily absorb and release heat, moving through the different components of the heat pump to extract heat from one location and transfer it to another. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it works in an air-to-water heat pump:
• Evaporation: The refrigerant, which is in a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid state, absorbs heat from the outside air, causing it to evaporate and become a low-pressure gas. This process usually takes place in the evaporator coil.
• Compression: The now gaseous refrigerant is compressed by the compressor, which increases its temperature and pressure. The refrigerant becomes a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.
• Condensation: The high-temperature gas flows through the condenser coil, where it releases its heat into the water. As it loses heat, the refrigerant condenses back into a high-pressure liquid.
• Expansion: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, where its pressure and temperature drop, and the cycle begins again.
• This process allows the heat pump to extract heat from the ambient air and transfer it to water, which can then be used for space heating or domestic hot water. Refrigerants are carefully selected based on various properties including their ability to change states at usable temperatures, their safety properties (non-toxic, non-flammable), and their environmental impacts, such as ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP). Common Daikin refrigerants used in heat pump systems include R-410A and R-32, though the industry is continually evolving towards more environmentally friendly options

Yes there is an SEAI grant available. To qualify for the SEAI air-to-water heat pump grant, there are specific eligibility requirements and incentives available as follows:

• Your home must have been built and occupied prior to 2021 and must have a heat loss indicator of 2 W/K/m^2 or lower.
• Apartments of any category are eligible for a grant of €4,500.
• Homes, whether Semi-Detached, End of Terrace, Detached, or Mid Terrace, can receive up to €6,500.
• A supplementary SEAI incentive provides €200 for undergoing a technical assessment.
• A further €50 is available for conducting a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment.
• It is imperative that you have not been a recipient of the air-to-water heat pump grant in the past to qualify for the current offerings

• The SEAI provides a valuable grant of €6,500 for air to water heat pumps to assist in alleviating installation costs.
• A technical assessment, involving a detailed heat loss survey of your home, is essential to determine the precise cost and is also a requirement by the SEAI.
• Air oo water heat pumps usually have a cost range of €13,000-€17,000, subject to specific home and installation factors.
• In terms of operation, the annual average consumption of these systems is between 3,000 and 5,000 kWh, influenced by various factors like the home and system size, efficiency, and operating settings.
• These influencing factors, alongside your unit rate for electricity, cause variances in cost.
• It’s prudent to speak with your electricity supplier about any favorable rates or discounts available for heat pump usage, as some suppliers might offer incentives like reduced day/night rates

Yes, Daikin is widely recognised as a reputable manufacturer of air conditioners and heat pumps and is known for producing reliable, efficient, and innovative products.

Here are a few aspects in which Daikin air conditioners and heat pumps are often praised:

• Daikin systems often feature advanced inverter technology, which adjusts power to meet the actual heating or cooling needs, enhancing energy efficiency
• With high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings, many Daikin units operate economically, potentially reducing energy bills
• Daikin invests in developing technologies that enhance user experience, such as smart home integration, quiet operation modes, and air-purifying features
• Daikin offers a wide array of products, from ductless mini-splits to whole-house systems, providing options for various customer needs and preferences
• The brand is known for manufacturing products that are durable and reliable, ensuring a long lifespan when maintained properly
• Daikin often provides comprehensive warranty programs, indicating confidence in its products’ longevity and reliability
• Daikin emphasises developing products that are environmentally friendly and adhere to regional energy guidelines and regulations
• Some units use R-32 refrigerant, which has a lower global warming potential compared to other refrigerants

Yes, Excel Cooling Services in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, provides maintenance contracts for heat pumps, ensuring your systems are routinely checked and optimised for efficient performance, prolonging their lifespan and maintaining effective heating and cooling in your space.

SEAI offer grants for a number of areas. Wall and attic insulation, heating controls, heat pumps, solar electricity panels, solar water heating and deep retrofit.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides free home energy upgrades to homeowners who get certain social welfare payments. These upgrades help improve the energy efficiency and warmth of your home and are also known as the Warmer Homes Scheme.