Future-Proofing your Home begins at Electric Ireland Superhomes

Get comfortable with future-proofing your home.
Our experts will be available at the PTSB Ideal Home Show – so before you go, why not book you a free consultation with them at https://electricirelandsuperhomes.ie/contact/? In the meantime, let us tell you more about the Home Energy Assessment (HEA) process.

First Steps
A Home Energy Assessment (HEA) is the starting point for anyone considering multiple energy upgrade measures. Your HEA gives the current BER rating of your home and outlines a clear ‘pathway’ to reaching a B2 or better, as well as an estimate of the costs and grants available. This document is ‘transferable’, meaning you can shop around for the best value in the One Stop Shop (OSS) market.

Grant Support for HEA
If your home was built prior to 2011 and you haven’t received a HEA grant before, SEAI provides €350 towards the cost. This is deducted directly, so you pay your OSS provider the net amount.

Understanding the ‘B2 Pathway’
There are often multiple ways to reach the required B2 or better. Your HEA usually contains one pathway, showing BER improvements measure by measure. To qualify for OSS grants, you must reach B2 and achieve a minimum BER uplift of 100kw/m2/yr. Given the options, you must decide which solution makes most financial sense. If you have a new boiler, combine other measures. If your boiler is old, a heat pump should be prioritised over solar PV. Every measure above the minimum requirement should be treated as optional – don’t be priced out of a quality retrofit by aiming too high. Think of the OSS minimum standard as a building block upon which optional measures can be added.

Setting Your Homeowner Goals
You retain some control by being clear with your HEA assessor about your priorities. This is recorded in the HEA under ‘Homeowner Goal’. You may want to replace windows, include ventilation, or add Solar PV. While technical limitations may prevent all goals from being met, they should still guide the pathway. It’s important to discuss this with your assessor before the survey.

Understanding the Cost Estimate
Alongside your pathway, the HEA provides an estimate of costs. An estimate is not a full quote. A quote is based on a final design, and the provider stands over the price for a specified period. An estimate is subject to change, depending on specifications such as window or door types. This difference often causes confusion. When proceeding on an estimate, be aware of potential revisions.

The Importance of Transferability
HEAs are transferable as the document layout is standardised, enabling you to shop around. However, it is a ‘signpost’ document rather than a final design, so you will often compare estimates, not detailed quotes. Estimates may not compare like-for-like technologies, as heat pump brands, windows, and doors vary in quality. Research and referrals are key to understanding value beyond the HEA.

Electric Ireland Superhomes Approach
At Electric Ireland Superhomes, HEA cost estimates are only subject to a few items, such as pipework quality and window/door choices. If you already have a HEA, we may be able to quote from it, but our engineer will visit your home first and may suggest an alternative pathway if better value can be achieved.

Choosing the Right OSS Provider
Most homeowners choose the OSS who carried out their HEA to complete the retrofit. This is why selecting the right provider is vital. While the price of the HEA is a factor, the focus should be on the quality of service delivered.

Ready to take the first step?
Visit the Electric Ireland Superhomes stand, R36, at the PTSB Ideal Home Show, RDS Simmonscourt, between the 17th and 19th October 2025 to avail of a special offer on your Home Energy Assessment. Alternatively, you can book your free consultation here: https://electricirelandsuperhomes.ie/contact/

The PTSB Ideal Home Show runs from 17-19 October, RDS Dublin.

Plan your visit and register for your free tickets HERE!