• What is a BER and why is it important?

    A Building Energy Rating or BER is an energy label for homes. The rating is a simple A to G scale, with A-rated homes being the most energy efficient.

    For home owners, improving a home’s energy rating will not only enhance the warmth and comfort of the home, it can significantly reduce energy bills, while also reducing the carbon footprint and protecting the environment.

    In order to encourage people to make their homes more energy efficient, the SEAI offer grants which are determined by the energy upgrades to the home. In addition, credit unions participating in this scheme will offer the lowest interest rates for loans which make the biggest energy improvements.

  • What work is covered as part of this scheme?
    This scheme covers all types of home energy upgrades.
    This includes:

    • Deep Retrofits
    • Double/ Triple Glazed Windows
    • Solar Panels
    • Attic insulation
    • Demand Ventilation Schemes
    • Exterior Wall Insulation
    • Interior Wall Insulation
    • Insulated Doors
    • Heat Pumps
    • New Boiler & Heating Controls

  • Who can apply?
    This scheme is open to members and potential members of all participating credit unions.
    If your local credit union is not participating in the scheme, visit www.creditunion.ie to find their contact details or to submit an online loan enquiry.

  • What grants are available?
    In total, grants of up to €35,000 per home are available from the SEAI as part of this scheme. In addition, Energia will provide additional financial support to those who complete eligible work as part of this scheme. It is not necessary to be an Energia customer. Visit Grants and Eligible Upgrades for more information.

  • You mention that the grant funding is provided up front. What does this mean?
    If you are approved by the SEAI for grant funding as part of this scheme, you will immediately be discounted this amount from the overall project cost. You will not have to wait until the project is complete to avail of this funding.
  • How can I fund the cost of the project?
    Credit unions can provide low-cost loan finance, if required, as part of this scheme. If you choose to submit a loan enquiry as part of the application process, a member of staff from your local participating credit union will get in touch with you to see how your credit union can help you to finance any home improvement work.
  • Do I have to get a credit union loan to participate in the scheme?
    No. The participating credit unions have substantial funds to lend to people who require finance. However, if you do not need finance, you can still proceed to get a quote within this scheme without availing of a credit union loan.

  • Do I need to be an Energia customer to avail of these grants?
    No. The Energia support is available to all those who complete eligible work as part of this scheme. It is not necessary to be an Energia customer.

  • What happens when I submit an enquiry?

    Once you submit an enquiry via the Energy Upgrade calculator, an engineer from House2Home will contact, via phone or email, for an initial home energy consultation. They will consult with you on the type of work which you might be interested in, the impact which this might have and the grant support available to you.

    The nature of the enquiry and the type of work which you may wish to carry out will determine the next steps.

    If your enquiry is straight forward and you have already identified the measure(s) you would like carried out to your home (e.g. solar panels or heating controls), House2Home will arrange a free site survey for you.

    If your home needs significant improvements (e.g. a series of measures or a deep retrofit ) or it is not clear what home energy upgrades might be suitable or most appropriate for your home, a Home Energy Assessment of your home will be required. 

  • What is a Home Energy Assessment?

    A home energy assessment will explore every nook and cranny of your home and provide you with a comprehensive, tailored analysis of your home. The report will provide you with an insight into the suite of work most suitable for your home, and highlight the impact which this work will have on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

    A home energy assessment will provide you with: 

    • Simple BER Certification
    • Technical Dwelling Report
    • Simplified Technical BER
    • Technical Assessment for Heat Pumps (HLI)
    • Quotation for completion of works

     

    A Home Energy Assessment is required by the SEAI for all deep retrofit grant applications. The report is the property of the homeowner, and is the first step for anyone considering significant energy upgrades to their home.

  • How much does a Home Energy Assessment cost?

    A Home Energy Assessment costs €950 + VAT. However, as there is a home energy assessment grant of €350 available (subject to eligibility criteria) from the SEAI, the net cost of a home energy assessment to you will be €600 + VAT. As part of this process, the grant application will be completed by House2Home on your behalf. 

    In addition, if you choose to go ahead with a retrofit with House2Home, the cost of the home energy assessment (€600) will be refunded to you.

  • What happens if I choose to go ahead with my home upgrades via the CU Greener Homes scheme?
    If you choose to go ahead with the work, a contract will be put in place between you and House2Home who will be project managing and carrying out the works. You will have a dedicated project manager who will work with you throughout and help to process your grant application.

    As per the scheme’s privacy policy, House2Home will only be provided with details of your requested home improvements and will not have access to any financial information which you share with a participating credit union.

    If you submit a loan enquiry via the calculator, a member of staff from the participating credit union will contact you to follow up on your enquiry. As the project costs (and thus the finance required) may only be finalised after a site survey has taken place, a follow up will be required at this stage to complete the loan application process.

  • I am a Credit Union representative and I have a question about the scheme?

    If you are a Credit Union staff member and you have questions about the scheme that relate to House 2 Home please contact karl@house2home.ie.