Grants
The SEAI Boiler Grant Explained (2026)
TL;DR
The SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme does not currently offer a standalone grant for a gas boiler replacement. However, related measures, solar water heating, heating controls, and heat pumps, all attract grants and can be combined with a boiler project.
Does Ireland Have a Boiler Grant in 2026?
The SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme previously included a direct gas boiler replacement grant, but this was removed as part of Ireland's shift toward renewable and low-carbon heating. In 2026, the relevant grants for homeowners looking to upgrade their heating are:
Solar thermal (solar water heating): up to €1,200. Heating controls upgrade: €700. Heat pump system with underfloor heating: up to €6,500. Attic insulation: up to €1,500.
For most homeowners replacing a gas boiler, the practical path to grant support is to add solar water heating or heating controls to the same project and claim those grants alongside the boiler replacement cost.
SEAI Solar Water Heating Grant (€1,200)
A solar thermal system heats domestic hot water using the sun. When installed alongside a new boiler, it reduces the load on the boiler for hot water. The SEAI grant of up to €1,200 is available for qualifying homes built before 2021. The installer must be SEAI registered. This is the most accessible grant for homeowners who are primarily replacing a gas boiler.
SEAI Heating Controls Grant (€700)
The heating controls grant of €700 covers the cost of upgrading your heating timer, thermostat, and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to a modern programmable system. This is worth doing alongside any boiler replacement and the grant more than covers the cost of basic controls.
SEAI Heat Pump Grants (Up to €6,500)
Air-to-water heat pumps attract grants of up to €6,500 from SEAI. They require a well-insulated home and are typically installed with underfloor heating. They are an alternative to a gas boiler rather than a supplement. For homes that qualify, this is a significant grant but it involves higher installation costs.
How to Apply for an SEAI Grant
- Check eligibility: the home must have been built before 2021 and must not have received the same grant previously
- Get a quote from a registered SEAI contractor (Murphy's Plumbing is SEAI registered)
- Do NOT start the work before receiving SEAI approval, retrospective grant claims are not accepted
- Submit the application through the SEAI website or ask the contractor to submit on your behalf
- Work is completed after approval
- Contractor submits technical details and the grant is paid directly to the homeowner
Can I Combine Multiple SEAI Grants?
Yes. You can combine multiple eligible measures in a single SEAI application and receive grants for each. A typical combination for a boiler replacement project might be: solar water heating (€1,200) + heating controls (€700) + attic insulation (up to €1,500) = up to €3,400 in total grants alongside the boiler installation.
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Boiler Installation, quoted before work starts.
Grants
Frequently asked questions
Is there a grant for replacing a gas boiler in Ireland in 2026?
There is no longer a direct SEAI grant for a gas-to-gas boiler replacement. However, SEAI grants are available for solar water heating (up to €1,200) and heating controls (€700) that can be added to a boiler replacement project.
How long does the SEAI grant application take?
Once submitted, SEAI applications typically take 2 to 4 weeks for approval. Work should not commence before approval is received. Murphy's Plumbing handles the submission and chases the approval on your behalf.
Do I have to pay the contractor first and claim the grant back?
Under most SEAI schemes, the grant is paid directly to the homeowner after the work is completed and the contractor submits the technical details. You pay the full amount upfront and receive the grant typically within 4 to 6 weeks of completion.
Does my home need to meet any energy rating requirements?
For most Better Energy Homes grants, no specific BER rating is required, though the home must have been built before 2021 and must not have received the same grant previously. The heat pump grants have additional technical requirements.
Can a landlord claim SEAI grants for a rental property?
Yes. Landlords can apply for SEAI grants for rental properties. The same eligibility criteria apply. Landlords with multiple properties can apply for each separately.