HOME UPGRADES AND SOLAR FOR “IDEAL HOMES”
Updated October 18, 2024
By Morgan Pierce
Lipstick on a pig.
It’s not very complimentary, but it’s a phrase we all understand.
Sadly, it’s also true. Even when applied to homes. We Irish will spend €262 million on home upgrades this year – most of it on items geared to making our homes feel brighter or warmer. €208 million of that will go to blocking out the cold with curtains, carpets and rugs. But we’ll also plunk down €52 million trying to make our homes brighter, cosier and more fragrant with candles.
All the primping, painting, panelling and polishing in the world can’t change a cold, cramped, or poorly constructed house into the perfect home. Lipstick. Pig.
On the other hand, there are a raft of “home upgrades” that can increase your home’s comfort and aesthetics while also increasing its value.
Some of the ideas that catch our attention include:
*Upgrading from a fossil fuel furnace to an electric heat pump
*Rewiring your home’s electrical system to make it safer and more energy-efficient
* 30% of your home’s heat literally goes out the window – so installing energy-efficient double or triple-glazed windows
* Buying energy-efficient home appliances
* Installing modern energy efficient lighting fixtures
* Adding smart technology and controls to lower the cost of controlling heat, water and electricity use.
* Installing solar to cut your carbon footprint and reduce your home’s energy bills. Simply making the switch to solar in Ireland could add 2% to your home’s value – on an average €325,000 home that’s €6,500.
A lot of these measures sound costly. Many of the home upgrades listed above, however, are supported by the government-backed “Home Energy Upgrade Scheme”. The scheme was created to support works that improve a property’s energy efficiency performance. Eligible projects will lift the building’s Building Energy Rating “BER” by minimum of 20%. Unsecured loans from a minimum of €5,000 to a maximum of €75,000 per property are available to qualified applicants from many banks and credit unions.
When considering solar, the SEAI’s Solar grant scheme provides important support – almost a quarter of the cost for an average installation.
If the stack of home improvement magazines gathering in the corner of the spare room is becoming a source of irritation rather than inspiration, it might be time to put some of all that window-shopping to use.
Remember, there are some home upgrades that will actually offer you a return on your investment.
The “PTSB Ideal Homes” show is taking place at the RDS from October 18th -20th. Aside the scented candles (!), there will be an entire exhibition area devoted to the kinds of improvements that matter. The “Home Energy Upgrade Pavilion” will feature experts who can walk visitors through everything from “deep retrofitting” to heat pumps, windows to insulation.
SolarSmart and other leading solar providers, will be on hand to offer advice on solar.
Come chat with us before you hit the candle display!
Why Choose Solar In Ireland?
Investing in a solar panel systems in Ireland can bring many benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint. If you are interested in installing a solar panel system in Ireland, it is also worth exploring the different grant options and green business loans available and seeking professional advice from one of our solar energy advisors.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we’re here to help.