Are You Missing Out on Energy Savings?
In today’s world of rising energy costs and increasing demand for sustainable solutions, heat pumps are quickly becoming a go-to option for home heating and cooling. Yet, despite their growing popularity, misconceptions still exist, leading many homeowners to miss out on potential energy savings.
If you’ve heard that heat pumps don’t work in cold weather, are too expensive, or require major home renovations, you might be falling for some common myths. Let’s separate fact from fiction and see why a heat pump could be one of the smartest energy upgrades for your home.
Myth #1: Heat Pumps Don’t Work in Cold Weather
Fact: Modern Heat Pumps Perform Well Even in Freezing Temperatures
This is one of the most widespread misconceptions about heat pumps. While older models struggled in extreme cold, today’s high-efficiency heat pumps are designed to extract heat even when temperatures drop below -20°C.
Modern heat pumps use advanced refrigerant technology to absorb and transfer heat from the air, even when it feels freezing outside. That’s why many Scandinavian countries, which experience much colder winters than Ireland, rely heavily on heat pumps for home heating, and they work exceptionally well.
✔ Cold-climate heat pumps are designed to function efficiently in winter temperatures.
✔ They continue providing heat even when temperatures drop below freezing.
The truth? If heat pumps can handle winters in Norway and Sweden, they can definitely work in Ireland.
Myth #2: Heat Pumps Are Expensive and Not Worth the Cost
Fact: SEAI Grants Make Heat Pumps Affordable, and They Pay for Themselves Over Time
It’s true that the upfront cost of a heat pump is higher than a traditional gas or oil boiler, but focusing only on the initial price misses the bigger picture.
✔ Heat pumps are up to 300% more efficient than gas or oil boilers, which means they produce more heat per unit of electricity used.
✔ Lower running costs lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time.
✔ SEAI grants of up to €6,500 can reduce installation costs, making heat pumps much more affordable.
✔ Green finance options allow you to spread costs over time, ensuring a cost-effective upgrade.
The truth? Heat pumps pay for themselves through long-term energy savings, government grants, and increased home value.
Myth #3: Heat Pumps Only Work in New, Well-Insulated Homes
Fact: Heat Pumps Can Be Installed in Most Homes – Even Older Ones
Many people assume that heat pumps are only suitable for brand-new, airtight homes. While insulation does improve efficiency, it’s not a requirement.
Even older homes can benefit from heat pump technology. A Home Energy Assessment (HEA) will determine whether your home is heat pump-ready or if minor upgrades (such as attic insulation) could enhance efficiency.
✔ Homes built before 2011 can still qualify for SEAI grants.
✔ Small insulation upgrades can improve heat retention but are not always necessary.
The truth? Even if your home isn’t perfectly insulated, a properly sized and installed heat pump can still deliver significant energy savings.
Myth #4: Heat Pumps Can’t Provide Hot Water
Fact: Heat Pumps Efficiently Heat Both Your Home and Water
Some homeowners believe heat pumps only provide heating and not hot water. In reality, a heat pump system can supply all your home’s hot water needs, heating it to 50–60°C, plenty for showers, washing up, and everyday use.
✔ Heat pumps can be paired with a hot water cylinder to store and supply hot water when needed.
✔ Modern systems feature heating controls, allowing you to optimise water heating and reduce waste.
The truth? Heat pumps replace both your boiler and your water heater, ensuring efficient heating and hot water supply.
Myth #5: Heat Pumps Are Noisy
Fact: Modern Heat Pumps Are Designed for Quiet Operation
It’s easy to picture an old, rattling air conditioning unit when you think about a heat pump. However, modern heat pumps are built with noise reduction in mind.
Most heat pumps operate at around 40–50 decibels, comparable to a quiet conversation or a fridge hum.
✔ Newer models use noise-reduction technology to minimise sound levels.
✔ Outdoor units can be strategically placed to avoid disruption.
The truth? A well-installed heat pump is barely noticeable, and certainly quieter than a traditional boiler firing up.
Myth #6: Heat Pumps Only Work for Heating
Fact: Heat Pumps Provide Year-Round Comfort, Heating, and Cooling
Unlike traditional boilers, heat pumps can both heat and cool your home.
✔ In winter, they extract heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors.
✔ In summer, they remove heat from inside your home, just like an air conditioner.
The truth? With a heat pump, you get year-round climate control, keeping your home comfortable in all seasons.
Why a Heat Pump is One of the Best Investments You Can Make
If you’re still on the fence about heat pumps, consider what you could be missing out on:
✔ Lower Energy Bills – Heat pumps reduce heating costs significantly.
✔ Government Grants Available – SEAI grants of up to €6,500 make heat pumps more affordable.
✔ Reduced Carbon Footprint – A greener, more sustainable way to heat your home.
✔ A More Comfortable Home – Consistent warmth in winter, cooling in summer.
✔ Higher Property Value – Homes with heat pumps often receive better BER ratings, increasing resale value.
Get Expert Guidance from REIL
At Retrofit Energy Ireland Limited (REIL), we specialise in helping homeowners upgrade to energy-efficient heating solutions with minimal hassle. As an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop, we handle:
✔ Home Energy Assessments – Evaluating your home’s suitability for a heat pump.
✔ SEAI Grant Applications – Managing the entire process so you get the maximum grant available.
✔ Professional Installation – Using only certified installers to ensure top-quality results.
✔ Comprehensive Project Management – From assessment to final installation, we take care of everything.
