Heat Pumps Ireland: Air to Water Heat Pump Guide
Heat pumps extract heat from the air, ground, or water outside your home and amplify it to heat your home and hot water. For every 1 kWh of electricity used, a heat pump produces 3–4 kWh of heat — making them 3–4 times more efficient than electric heaters and significantly cheaper to run than oil or gas boilers.
A typical air source heat pump costs €9,000–€14,000 installed in Ireland. SEAI grants of up to €12,500 are available (from 3 February 2026), bringing the net cost down to as little as €1,500.
Last updated March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Quick Answer
A typical air source heat pump costs €9,000–€14,000 installed in Ireland. The SEAI grant covers up to €12,500 (from Feb 2026: €6,500 unit + €2,000 heating upgrade + €4,000 renewable heat bonus), bringing the net cost to as little as €1,500. Heat pumps produce 3–4 kWh of heat per 1 kWh of electricity, cutting heating bills by 50–70% compared to oil or gas.
How do heat pumps work?
Heat pumps work like a refrigerator in reverse. They extract heat from the air or ground outside your home, compress it to raise the temperature, and deliver it to your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water cylinder. Even when outdoor temperatures drop to −15°C, heat pumps can extract usable heat. The ratio of heat output to electricity input is called the Coefficient of Performance (COP) — a COP of 3.5 means 3.5 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity.
“Heat pumps are the central technology in the global transition to secure and sustainable heating. The technology is ready, and growing fast.”
Air Source (most common)
Extracts heat from the outdoor air using a fan unit installed outside your home. COP of 3–4. Installed cost €9,000–€14,000. Suitable for most Irish homes and by far the most popular choice (~90% of installations).
Ground Source
Extracts heat from the ground via buried pipes (horizontal loops or vertical boreholes). COP of 4–5. Installed cost €14,000–€18,000. Requires garden space for ground loops. Higher efficiency but higher upfront cost.
Types of heat pumps in Ireland
| Type | Cost (installed) | COP | Best For | SEAI Grant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air-to-Water | €9,000–€14,000 | 3.0–4.0 | Most Irish homes, radiators/underfloor | Up to €12,500 |
| Ground-to-Water | €14,000–€18,000 | 4.0–5.0 | Rural homes with garden space | Up to €12,500 |
| Air-to-Air | €3,000–€5,000 | 3.5–4.5 | Single rooms, supplementary heating | Not eligible |
| Exhaust Air | €7,000–€10,000 | 3.0–3.5 | New builds, compact spaces | Up to €12,500 |
Air-to-water is by far the most popular in Ireland (~90% of installations). It works with existing radiators (ideally oversized) or underfloor heating.
How much do heat pumps cost in Ireland?
A typical air source heat pump system costs €9,000–€14,000 fully installed in 2026. After the SEAI grant of up to €12,500 (from February 2026), the net cost can be as low as €1,500.
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Air source heat pump unit | €4,000–€7,000 |
| Installation and labour | €3,000–€5,000 |
| Hot water cylinder (if needed) | €800–€1,500 |
| Radiator upgrades (if needed) | €1,000–€3,000 |
| Total before grant | €9,000–€14,000 |
| SEAI grant (up to) | −€12,500 |
| Net cost after grant | As low as €1,500 |
Running cost comparison
| Heating System | Annual Cost (avg 3-bed) |
|---|---|
| Oil boiler | €1,800–€2,500 |
| Gas boiler | €1,200–€1,800 |
| Electric storage heaters | €2,000–€2,800 |
| Air source heat pump | €600–€1,000 |
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Get a Quote ↓SEAI heat pump grants
The SEAI provides grants of up to €12,500 for heat pump installations in homes built before 2021. The grant increased significantly from 3 February 2026.
| Grant Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Heat pump unit (air source or ground source) | €6,500 |
| Central heating system upgrade (radiators/underfloor) | €2,000 |
| Renewable heat bonus (replacing fossil fuel system) | €4,000 |
| Total maximum grant | Up to €12,500 |
Eligibility requirements
- Home must be built before 2021
- Must use an SEAI-registered contractor
- Heat pump system must be on SEAI's approved product list
- A BER assessment is required before and after installation
- Attic and cavity wall insulation must meet minimum standards (or be upgraded as part of the project)
The €12,500 total includes the heat pump unit grant, central heating system upgrade, and the renewable heat bonus for switching from a fossil fuel system. See the full SEAI grants guide for details, or check your eligibility. Consider a one-stop-shop to bundle insulation and heat pump work for enhanced grants.
Heat pump installation: what to expect
- BER assessment to establish your home's baseline energy rating
- Home survey by installer (assess insulation, radiators, heat loss calculation)
- System design and sizing based on heat loss
- Installation (typically 2–3 days for air source)
- Commissioning and testing
- Post-installation BER assessment
- SEAI grant claim submitted
Is your home suitable for a heat pump?
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes (BER B3 or better). Older homes may need insulation upgrades first. Underfloor heating is ideal, but oversized radiators also work well. See our BER upgrades guide for advice on preparing your home.
Popular heat pump brands in Ireland
Several heat pump brands dominate the Irish market. The Daikin heat pump is the most widely installed, followed by Mitsubishi heat pumps and Grant.
Daikin Heat Pump
Air to water & air to air
The Daikin heat pump (Altherma range) is the market leader in Ireland. Known for reliability, excellent SCOP ratings, and a strong service network. Most SEAI-registered heat pump installers offer Daikin.
Mitsubishi Heat Pump (Ecodan)
Air to water
Mitsubishi heat pumps, particularly the Ecodan range, are popular for larger Irish homes. The Ecodan heat pump delivers strong performance in cold weather with a well-established installer network.
Grant Aerona³
Air to water
An Irish-designed heat pump brand popular in rural Ireland. Known for reliability and local support from Grant Engineering in Birr, Co. Offaly.
Nibe Heat Pump
Air to water & ground source
Nibe heat pumps are Swedish-made and popular in new builds. The Nibe heat pump range includes both air source and ground source models, with smart home integration via the myUplink app.
Samsung EHS
Air to water
Competitive pricing with good efficiency. The Samsung EHS Mono range is increasingly popular for Irish retrofit projects.
Vaillant aroTHERM
Air to water
German engineering, popular in new builds. Very quiet operation and high COP ratings. Well-supported in Ireland.
Heat pump service and maintenance
Heat pump servicing is simpler and cheaper than boiler servicing. There's no combustion, no flue, and no annual servicing requirement by law. However, an annual heat pump service is recommended to maintain efficiency and keep your warranty valid. Heat pump servicing typically costs €100–€200.
Annual heat pump service checklist
- Check refrigerant levels and pressure
- Clean or replace air filters on the outdoor unit
- Inspect the outdoor unit for debris or obstructions
- Check electrical connections and controls
- Verify system COP is within expected range
- Test defrost cycle operation (important for Irish climate)
- Check hot water cylinder temperature and controls
Heat pumps and BER rating
Installing a heat pump typically improves your BER rating by 2–3 grades. A home going from an oil boiler to a heat pump might jump from C3 to B1. This increases property value — each BER grade improvement adds approximately €5,000–€10,000 to home value.
See our building energy rating guide for more on improving your home's energy rating.
Heat Pump FAQ
How long do heat pumps last?
15–20 years, which is longer than oil or gas boilers (12–15 years). Heat pumps have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. An annual service is recommended, costing around €100–€150.
Do heat pumps work in Irish winters?
Yes. Modern heat pumps work efficiently down to -15°C. Ireland's mild winters (rarely below -5°C) are ideal for heat pumps. Performance drops slightly in very cold weather, but they remain far more efficient than direct electric heating.
Can I keep my radiators with a heat pump?
Yes. Air-to-water heat pumps work with existing radiators. For optimal efficiency, radiators may need upsizing (larger surface area) because heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures (35–45°C vs 60–70°C for boilers). Underfloor heating is the most efficient option.
How noisy are heat pumps?
Modern air source heat pumps produce 40–50 dB at 1 metre, similar to a quiet conversation or a modern fridge. Planning guidelines require the outdoor unit to be placed to minimise noise impact on neighbours. Indoor noise is negligible.
Do heat pumps need planning permission?
Generally no for residential installations. The outdoor unit must be at least 1 metre from the boundary and meet noise limits. Listed buildings and apartments may need permission. Ground source heat pumps with boreholes are exempt for residential use.
Can I use a heat pump with solar panels?
Yes. Solar panels can power your heat pump during the day, reducing running costs further. A 4kWp solar system can cover 40–60% of a heat pump's electricity consumption. See our solar vs heat pumps comparison.
What is the payback period for a heat pump in Ireland?
5–8 years when replacing oil, 8–12 years when replacing gas. After the SEAI grant, a heat pump replacing oil in an average 3-bed home saves €1,000–€1,500/year on heating costs.
Which heat pump brand is best in Ireland?
The Daikin heat pump (Altherma range) is the most popular in Ireland, followed by Mitsubishi heat pumps (Ecodan), Grant Aerona³, and Nibe heat pumps. The best brand depends on your home size, budget, and whether you want air to water or ground source. Ask your heat pump installer which brands they are certified to install.
How often does a heat pump need servicing?
An annual heat pump service is recommended, costing €100–€200. Heat pump servicing is simpler than boiler servicing — there's no combustion, no flue inspection, and fewer components to check. Regular heat pump servicing maintains efficiency and keeps your manufacturer warranty valid.
How do I find a heat pump installer?
Use the SEAI website to find registered heat pump installers in your area. Only SEAI-registered heat pump installers can carry out grant-eligible installations. Check that your heat pump installer is certified by the brand they're installing (e.g. Daikin, Mitsubishi, or Nibe certified).
Should I get a heat pump or solar panels first?
If you're on oil or solid fuel, prioritise the heat pump — the savings are larger. If you're on gas, solar panels may have faster payback. Ideally, install both for maximum energy savings. See our comparison guide.
How much does an air to water heat pump cost in Ireland?
An air to water heat pump costs €9,000–€14,000 fully installed in Ireland in 2026. This includes the heat pump unit (€4,000–€7,000), installation and labour (€3,000–€5,000), hot water cylinder if needed (€800–€1,500), and any radiator upgrades. After the SEAI grant of up to €12,500, the net cost can be as low as €1,500.
How much does an air to air heat pump cost in Ireland?
An air to air heat pump costs €3,000–€5,000 installed in Ireland. Air to air heat pumps are cheaper than air to water systems but only heat individual rooms (no hot water). They are not eligible for the SEAI heat pump grant. They're best used as supplementary heating in specific rooms like home offices or extensions.
What is the SEAI heat pump grant for ${currentYear}?
The SEAI heat pump grant is up to €12,500 in 2026 (increased from 3 February 2026). This includes €6,500 for the heat pump unit, €2,000 for central heating system upgrade, and €4,000 renewable heat bonus for replacing a fossil fuel system. Your home must be built before 2021 and you must use an SEAI-registered installer.
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Related Guides
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Comparing two leading renewable technologies.
Home Energy Grants Guide
All SEAI home energy grants: eligibility, amounts, and step-by-step application.
BER Rating Guide
BER rating scale, cert costs, assessors, and how solar improves your BER.
One-Stop-Shops
SEAI one-stop-shops: whole-house upgrades with enhanced grants.
Sources
- SEAI: Heat Pump Systems
- SEAI: Approved Heat Pump Products
- SEAI: Home Energy Grants
- SEAI: Building Energy Rating (BER)
Last updated: March 2026
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the Irish solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official SEAI data and maintains relationships with SEAI-registered installers across Ireland.
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