What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it into your home to provide heating and hot water. Even in cold weather, there is usable heat energy in outdoor air — heat pumps can operate efficiently at temperatures as low as -15°C.
Unlike a gas or oil boiler, a heat pump doesn't burn fuel to create heat. Instead, it moves existing heat from outside to inside your home, making it far more efficient. For every unit of electricity used to run the pump, you can get three to four units of heat in return. This ratio is known as the Coefficient of Performance (COP).
Renewable Heat
Heat pumps use ambient air energy — a renewable source — making them one of the lowest-carbon ways to heat an Irish home.
High Efficiency
A modern ASHP is typically 300–400% efficient, meaning it delivers far more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes.
Heating & Cooling
Many heat pump systems can also provide cooling in summer, giving you year-round comfort from a single installation.
Benefits of Switching to a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are increasingly the preferred choice for homeowners looking to future-proof their heating, reduce running costs, and lower their carbon footprint. Ireland's shift away from fossil fuels makes them a smart long-term investment.
- Lower running costs — particularly as gas and oil prices rise
- Dramatically reduced carbon emissions — up to 70% less CO² than a gas boiler
- No fuel deliveries — electricity only, no oil tank or gas supply required
- Eligible for SEAI grants — up to €6,500 available
- Improved BER rating — increases your home's energy rating and resale value
- Long lifespan — heat pumps typically last 15–20 years with minimal maintenance
- Quiet operation — modern units run almost silently
- Works with underfloor heating — ideal pairing for maximum efficiency
Our Heat Pump Range — Ideal Heating
EcoHeat primarily installs heat pumps from Ideal Heating , a manufacturer with over 60 years of experience in the Irish heating market. Their air-to-water heat pump range is designed for Irish conditions and integrates directly with their boiler and controls ecosystem.
Ideal Logic Air
Available in outputs from 4 to 10kW, the Logic Air uses next-generation R32 refrigerant for outstanding efficiency in a compact footprint. Its refined design and simple controls make it a popular choice for Irish homes. Available in multiple sizes to suit different property types.
Ideal HP290
The HP290 can provide efficient heating and hot water throughout the year by utilising our pre-plumbed and pre-wired cylinder. The system offers our users an aesthetically pleasing heating solution, and when paired with Halo Lite RF, is a great user experience.
Ideal Alfea Duo A.I.
All the benefits of the Alfea A.I. with the added convenience of integrated hot water storage. The Duo combines space heating and domestic hot water in a single, compact unit — ideal for homes where space is at a premium or where a separate cylinder isn't practical.
Not sure which model suits your home? Our engineers will carry out a full heat loss assessment and recommend the right system for your property size, insulation level, and budget.
SEAI Heat Pump Grant — Up to €12,500
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants of up to €12,500 for air-to-water heat pump systems under the Better Energy Homes scheme. This is one of the most generous grants available to Irish homeowners and can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installation.
Grant Amounts (Air-to-Water Heat Pumps)
| Measure | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Air-to-Water Heat Pump System | Up to €12,500 |
| Heat Pump System (including new radiators/underfloor heating) | Up to €12,500 |
Eligibility Criteria
- The property must have been built and occupied before 2011
- The home must have a BER (Building Energy Rating) of B3 or higher after the retrofit, or achieve a specified energy improvement
- The work must be carried out by an SEAI registered contractor
- Grant approval must be obtained before any work begins
- You must own and live in the property (or be the landlord of a rented property meeting SEAI requirements)
EcoHeat is a registered SEAI contractor. We manage the grant application process on your behalf and ensure all work meets the required standard for approval.
Note: Grant amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Always verify the latest figures on the SEAI website before proceeding.
Is My Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps work best in homes that are well insulated and don't lose heat quickly. This is because they operate at lower flow temperatures than a traditional boiler. The better insulated your home, the more efficiently the heat pump can maintain a comfortable temperature.
Good Candidates
- Homes with cavity or solid wall insulation
- Properties with good attic insulation
- Homes with underfloor heating (ideal pairing)
- Properties with larger radiators
- Homes currently on oil or LPG heating
- Newly built or recently retrofitted homes
Things to Consider
- Poorly insulated older properties may need upgrades first
- Radiators may need to be upsized in some rooms
- Outdoor space is required for the external unit
- Planning permission is usually not required, but check locally
- A heat loss survey is always recommended before installation
Not sure if your home is ready? EcoHeat offers a free heat loss assessment to determine the best heating solution for your property.
The Installation Process
We make switching to a heat pump as straightforward as possible. Here's what to expect:
Free Survey
We visit your home, assess insulation levels, measure room heat losses, and determine the right heat pump size and system design.
Grant Application
We submit your SEAI grant application on your behalf before any work begins, ensuring you're fully covered from the outset.
Installation
Our engineers install the external unit, connect to your hot water cylinder and heating distribution, and commission the full system.
Handover
We walk you through the controls, set up your schedule, and ensure you're comfortable operating the system before we leave.
Interested in a Heat Pump for Your Home?
Get in touch with EcoHeat today for a free assessment. We'll survey your home, advise on the best system, and handle your SEAI grant application from start to finish.
Note: Grant amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Always verify the latest figures on the SEAI website before proceeding.