Common Misconceptions About Home Retrofitting

In recent years, there has been growing interest in energy-efficient home upgrades across Ireland.

Homeowners are increasingly looking to improve the comfort, energy performance, and overall health of their homes.

Unfortunately, as awareness of retrofitting has risen, so too has misinformation.

It’s important for homeowners to have accurate information in order to make well-informed decisions about retrofitting.

Let’s clear up some of the most widespread myths about home retrofitting in Ireland.

Myth 1: Retrofitting is Only Necessary for Older Homes

It’s often assumed that only older homes benefit from retrofitting, but this is a misconception.

While older houses may have more room for improvement due to outdated building practices,

even newer homes can see substantial gains in energy efficiency.

For modern homes, upgrades like solar PV systems and improved insulation paired with a heat pump can help achieve a high

energy rating (such as A1 or A2), qualifying for additional grant opportunities through the One Stop Shop Programme.

Myth 2: You Will Have to Leave Your Home During the Retrofit Process

Many people worry that retrofitting will be too disruptive, requiring them to move out of their homes for an extended period.

However, this is rarely the case. In fact, 90% of homeowners who undergo full retrofits remain in their

homes throughout the process.

Our contractors make it a priority to minimize disruption and keep your living space as functional as possible.

One homeowner shared their experience:

“I’d heard stories that my home would be uninhabitable for weeks, but that wasn’t true at all.

The installers were respectful, cleaned up daily, and we didn’t have to leave the house.”

Myth 3: Retrofitting is Too Expensive and Not Worth the Investment

A common belief is that retrofitting is always expensive and not cost-effective for homeowners in Ireland.

While some projects aimed at achieving very high energy standards can be costly, many homes don’t require

large investments to see meaningful improvements.

Simple upgrades such as better insulation, upgrading windows and doors, or installing heat pumps can

significantly reduce energy consumption and long-term maintenance costs.

Additionally, grants from SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) are available to help offset costs,

making retrofitting more accessible and affordable for homeowners.

For a better understanding of retrofitting costs and potential savings, we offer free consultations with our retrofit experts.

Contact us today to explore your options.

Myth 4: Retrofitting is Just About Insulation

Insulation is an essential part of retrofitting, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

A comprehensive approach involves multiple upgrades working together to create a more energy-efficient and comfortable home,

often improving your Building Energy Rating (BER) to between B2 and A1.

We view the home as a holistic system where various energy measures work in harmony. For instance,

poorly fitted doors can cause heat loss regardless of how well the heating system is designed. Our home energy upgrades take a

complete approach to ensure all elements contribute to the overall energy performance of your home.

Myth 5: Retrofitting Doesn’t Increase Property Value

Some homeowners are concerned that investing in retrofitting won’t enhance the value of their property.

In fact, energy-efficient homes are increasingly attractive to buyers due to lower running costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

A survey by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) found that 69% of estate agents believe a property’s BER rating significantly

influences the offers received. As energy efficiency becomes a key selling point, retrofitted homes often see a rise in value.

Despite the myths, retrofitting is crucial for Irish homeowners who want to enhance the comfort, efficiency, and value of their properties.

For more information on starting your retrofitting journey or to learn about available grants, schedule a free consultation with our team today.

Let us help you transform your home into a warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient space.

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