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Heat Pumps in Dublin: Why They’re a Smart Upgrade for Your Home


More and more households in Dublin and across Ireland are looking at heat pumps as an alternative to old oil or gas boilers. With rising energy costs and a big push towards greener heating, a heat pump can be one of the best upgrades you can make for your home. At DDV Plumbing and Heating, we’re fitting more of these systems every year around Dun Laoghaire–Rathdown.




What Exactly Is a Heat Pump?



A heat pump takes heat from outside your home (air, ground, or water) and moves it inside to warm your radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water tank. Think of it like a fridge in reverse: instead of pushing heat out, it pulls heat in.


There are a few main types:


  • Air-to-Water Heat Pump – the most common in Ireland, using outside air to heat water for your central heating.

  • Ground Source Heat Pump – uses pipes buried in your garden to draw steady heat from the ground.

  • Air-to-Air Heat Pump – less common here, more like an air-con system that blows warm air inside.





Why Dublin Homeowners Are Choosing Heat Pumps




1. Lower Running Costs



Heat pumps are far more efficient than traditional boilers. For every unit of electricity used, a heat pump can deliver 3–4 units of heat. That’s a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 300–400%, compared to a boiler at around 90%.



2. Better for the Environment



No flue gases, no on-site burning of fuel — just clean, efficient heating. With Ireland aiming for net-zero, heat pumps are part of the national plan.



3. Grants Available



The SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) offers grants of up to €6,500 towards a heat pump system. To qualify, you’ll need a technical assessment and your home must meet certain insulation standards. More info here: SEAI Heat Pump Grant.



4. Future-Proof Your Home



With more restrictions on oil and gas heating coming, upgrading now gets you ahead of the curve. A heat pump can also boost your BER (Building Energy Rating), which adds value if you’re selling or renting.




What About the Costs?



  • Installation: In Dublin, a typical air-to-water heat pump system can cost €10,000–€15,000, before grants. With SEAI support, that can drop to around €6,000–€9,000.

  • Running Costs: You’ll need electricity to run the pump, but with smart controls and proper setup, bills are often 30–40% lower than oil.

  • Maintenance: Unlike boilers that need yearly servicing, a heat pump only requires a simple service every couple of years. That usually involves cleaning filters and checking refrigerant levels.





Are Heat Pumps Right for Every House?



Not always. They work best in well-insulated homes where the heat doesn’t escape quickly. If you live in an older Dublin house, it’s worth upgrading insulation first (attic, walls, windows). This also helps with grant approval.




Heat Pumps vs Boilers



  • Boiler: Cheaper upfront, familiar technology, but reliant on fossil fuels and less efficient.

  • Heat Pump: Higher upfront cost, but lower running bills, greener, and supported by government grants.





Why Choose a Local Installer in Dun Laoghaire–Rathdown?



Every house is different. We know the quirks of Dublin homes, from older red-bricks to new builds in Rathfarnham, Dalkey, and Stillorgan. A proper survey makes all the difference in choosing the right heat pump system.




Final Thoughts



If you’re thinking of making the switch, now is the time. With grants, rising energy prices, and the need for greener heating, a heat pump is one of the best upgrades you can make for your Dublin home.


At DDV Plumbing and Heating, we install, service, and maintain heat pumps across Dublin and Dun Laoghaire–Rathdown. If you’d like advice, or to see if your home qualifies for the SEAI grant, get in touch — we’ll guide you through the process start to finish.


 
 
 

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