Irish homeowners are set to benefit from a major new support scheme designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, with grants of up to €5,600 now planned for upgrading windows and doors. The measures form part of a broader Government push to make retrofitting more accessible—especially for households unable to afford expensive deep retrofits.
How Much Can Homeowners Receive?
Under the proposed scheme, the level of grant support will depend on the type of home:
- Up to €4,000 for detached houses
- Up to €3,000 for semi-detached and end-of-terrace homes
- Up to €1,800 for mid-terrace houses
- Up to €1,500 for apartments and duplexes
In addition, homeowners will be eligible for €800 per external door, for up to two doors per property.
Together, these supports mean households could receive up to €5,600 to upgrade windows and doors—an investment that can significantly cut heat loss and energy bills.
Part of a Record €558 Million Retrofit Budget
The new grants sit within a record €558 million allocation in Budget 2026 for retrofitting and insulation measures. According to the Government, tens of thousands of homes are expected to qualify.
Darragh O’Brien is expected to outline the details to Cabinet colleagues, highlighting that the goal is to support households who previously found retrofit costs—often running into tens of thousands of euro—out of reach.
A Major Policy Shift on Windows and Doors
Until now, grants for windows and doors were largely limited to homes undergoing deep retrofits, a barrier for many homeowners. This is about to change.
Under a significant policy shift, grants will now be available through the Better Energy Homes Scheme for houses and apartments where the building fabric is suitable for a heat pump.
This change recognises a simple but crucial fact:
Energy-efficient windows and doors reduce heat loss, allowing heat pumps to run more efficiently and at lower temperatures.
In practical terms, upgrading windows and doors can be the missing step that makes a home suitable for a heat pump—without the need for a full, costly retrofit.
Supporting the Rollout of Heat Pumps
The wider aim of the scheme is to encourage the installation of heat pumps across Irish homes. By improving insulation at key points like windows and doors, households can:
- Retain heat more effectively
- Improve comfort year-round
- Reduce energy consumption
- Get better performance from heat pump systems
The installation of modern, energy-efficient windows and doors is therefore not just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a foundational step in Ireland’s transition to cleaner home heating.
When Will the Grant Be Available?
While the scheme has not yet been formally announced, it is expected to be confirmed following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, January 27, with applications anticipated to open from March 3rd.
Other Grants Available to Homeowners
Alongside the new windows and doors support, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) continues to offer a range of grants, including:
- Attic insulation
- Wall insulation
- Heat pump systems
- Solar electricity (PV) installation
- Solar water heating
Together, these measures provide homeowners with multiple pathways to improve energy efficiency—whether taking small steps or planning a larger upgrade.
Bottom line:
This new windows-and-doors grant represents a meaningful step toward making retrofitting affordable, practical, and achievable for more Irish households—helping cut bills, improve comfort, and support Ireland’s clean energy goals.