Is There a Grant for New Windows in Ireland? (2025 Guide)

Yes, there are grants for new windows in Ireland—but the details are more nuanced than you might think. Through the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), homeowners can access financial support for energy-efficient window and door replacement. These grants are designed to reduce the cost of upgrading, enhance comfort, and lower energy bills—while supporting Ireland’s climate goals. However, eligibility and the process differ depending on your circumstances, your property’s age, and the type of upgrade you pursue.

This in-depth guide explores the full landscape of grants, what you need to qualify, and how to maximize your home’s comfort, efficiency, and savings.

Key Takeaways

Homeowners in Ireland can access window and door grants through the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (SEAI One Stop Shop), the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, and certain local programs.
There is no longer a stand-alone grant for windows and doors—they must typically be upgraded as part of a wider home energy retrofit targeting a B2 Building Energy Rating (BER) or better.
Grant amounts typically range from €1,500 for apartments to €4,000 for detached homes for windows, and up to €1,600 for exterior doors. Vulnerable households may qualify for fully-funded replacements.
Eligibility depends on property age, ownership, BER targets, and sometimes income or social welfare status.
Grants not only make upgrades affordable, but also help you cut energy bills, increase property value, and reduce your carbon footprint.

Understanding Energy Efficiency Grants in Ireland

Energy efficiency grants serve as a catalyst for more comfortable, lower-cost, and environmentally-responsible homes across Ireland. The government, primarily through SEAI, subsidizes upgrades to windows, doors, insulation, heating systems, and more.

Why are these grants important?

Heating accounts for the majority of household energy use in Ireland.
Old, single-glazed or poorly-sealed windows are a major cause of heat loss.
Upgrading to high-performance, double or triple-glazed units drastically improves thermal comfort, reduces noise, and strengthens home security.

Participating in Ireland’s energy efficiency grant schemes not only saves you money—it boosts your property’s value and plays a key part in the national drive for a greener, more sustainable future.

Overview: The Main Window and Door Grant Schemes

1. National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme – “One Stop Shop” Grants

The principal route for most homeowners to finance window and door upgrades in 2025.
Offers grants for a comprehensive home retrofit: you must include upgrades (e.g. insulation, heating, windows/doors, etc.) to bring your home to at least a B2 BER.
Upgrades must be managed by an SEAI-approved “One Stop Shop” provider, who handles both the work and the paperwork.
Grants for windows:

Property Type Grant for Windows

Detached House €4,000

Semi-Detached €3,000

Mid-Terrace €1,800

Apartment €1,500

External Doors €800 per door (max 2)
Eligibility:
- Home must have been built and occupied before 2011.
- Owned and lived in by the applicant.

Property Type	Grant for Windows
Detached House	€4,000
Semi-Detached	€3,000
Mid-Terrace	€1,800
Apartment	€1,500
External Doors	€800 per door (max 2)

2. Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme

A fully-funded scheme for low-income and energy-poor households.
Offers free energy upgrades (including windows/doors) for vulnerable groups receiving certain social welfare payments.
The home must have been built before 2006.
Income and social benefit eligibility requirements apply.

3. Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS)

Run by energy suppliers as part of their obligation to cut customers’ energy demand.
In some cases, partial support for window/door replacement—often as part of a wider upgrade—may be available.
Always check eligibility with your energy provider.

Are There Still SEAI Grants for Window Replacements?

Not directly. SEAI no longer offers stand-alone window or door grants: upgrades must be part of a whole-home approach targeting a B2 BER. Window and door replacements are eligible only when bundled with other improvements, such as insulation and heating systems.

This means:

You cannot receive a grant for just switching your windows unless it’s part of a major retrofit.
Upgrading solely your windows does not qualify for the main SEAI grant.
However, low-income households may still access fully funded replacements via the Warmer Homes scheme.

Why the Focus on Whole Home Retrofits?

Ireland’s climate targets require dramatic improvements in housing energy performance. Single measures (like windows alone) may not be enough to achieve significant savings. By requiring a broader upgrade, government grants ensure lasting impact—improved comfort, reduced bills, and a demonstrably better BER.

Do You Qualify? Grant Eligibility Criteria (2025)

Let’s break down the requirements in depth.

1. Property Age & Ownership

For the One Stop Shop scheme: home built and occupied before 2011.
Warmer Homes: home built and occupied before 2006.
Owned and lived in by the applicant—rental and holiday properties have different rules.

2. Building Energy Rating Target

To qualify, your retrofit (including new windows/doors) must achieve a minimum post-upgrade BER of B2 or better. This is assessed both before and after works.

3. Income or Social Welfare Status

Standard grant: no income limit for the One Stop Shop, but your home and scope of works must fit.
Warmer Homes: limited to recipients of eligible payments (e.g. Fuel Allowance, Jobseekers, Working Family Payment).

4. Window and Door Energy Standards

All windows/doors installed under grant schemes must:

Comply with Irish building regulations—currently max U-value 1.4W/m²K for windows (as low as 1.2W/m²K for optimal savings) and 1.6W/m²K for doors.
Achieve “C” energy rating (or better) as set out in the Window Energy Performance scheme.

5. Other Conditions

All works must be carried out by SEAI-approved contractors and providers.
You must not begin works before grant approval; otherwise, funding may be voided.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Contact a One Stop Shop Provider
- Visit the SEAI website or consult lists of approved providers.
- Get an initial assessment and project quote.
Home Energy Assessment
- A Building Energy Rating (BER) assessor evaluates your home’s current efficiency and identifies upgrade opportunities.
Scope Your Project
- The provider tailors a package of upgrades (windows, doors, insulation, heating, etc.) to suit your home—and ensure you hit the target BER.
Submit Application
- The One Stop Shop submits your grant application to SEAI on your behalf.
- For Warmer Homes: application is directly to SEAI, with proof of social welfare entitlements.
Await Approval
- Do not start works before approval!
- Approval times vary, but expect several weeks to a few months depending on scheme and demand.
Works Carried Out
- Only SEAI-registered professionals can install grant-funded windows/doors.
- After upgrades, a new BER is issued.
Grant Claim and Payment
- Provider (or you, depending on scheme) receives payment or reimbursement from SEAI.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Windows (and Doors)

Upgrading windows and doors brings transformative gains:

Lower Energy Bills: New double or triple-glazed systems with insulated frames slash heat loss and save on heating costs—especially important as energy prices fluctuate.
Consistent Comfort: Older windows cause drafts and cold spots. High-performance replacements maintain warmth in winter and coolness in summer.
Noise Reduction: Thick glazing dramatically improves tranquility, ideal for urban or roadside homes.
Modern Styles and Enhanced Security: New windows boost curb appeal and integrate the latest in-locking technology, keeping your family safe.
Environmental Impact: Upgraders help Ireland achieve critical climate targets and reduce household carbon emissions.
Property Value: Homes with a better BER command higher sale and rental prices.

Choosing the Right Windows & Doors for Your Home

1. Material Choices

uPVC: Low-maintenance, highly insulating, cost-effective.
Aluminium: Sleek, strong, highly durable.
Timber: Traditional, natural insulator, requires more upkeep.

2. Glazing Options

Double Glazing: Standard for energy efficiency.
Triple Glazing: Even better for insulation and soundproofing; increasingly standard in new builds.

3. Energy Performance

Always check the U-value:
- The lower, the better for insulation. Aim for 1.2W/m²K or lower for best performance.
Look for “A” or “B” Window Energy Ratings.
Consider low-emissivity (Low-E) glass and inert gas-filled cavities for maximum savings.

4. Aesthetic and Practical Considerations

Choose styles that match your home—casement, sliding sash, tilt-and-turn, and more.
Don’t forget ventilation and safety requirements mandated by Irish regs.

Financial Incentives Beyond Grants

Low-Interest Loans: SEAI now partners with banks and credit unions to offer low-cost loans for homeowners upgrading energy efficiency.
Local Authority Top-Ups: Some councils may offer extra support, primarily for energy-poor homes—always check your local authority.
Tax Credits: While currently limited, keep an eye on budget announcements for tax relief on deep retrofit investments.

Budget Planning & Getting the Best Value

Assess Needs: Audit your home to target your spend on the most impactful improvements (windows, attic insulation, heating systems, solar, etc.).
Get Multiple Quotes: Always compare costs from various SEAI-registered installers to get the best service and value.
Plan for Contingencies: Allow headroom for unexpected costs; don’t forget possible permit fees, repairs, or aesthetic upgrades alongside energy works.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Starting work before approval: This voids grant eligibility—always wait for official confirmation.
Ignoring non-window upgrades: Single-measure grants are gone for now—consider insulation, heating, and ventilation as essential partners to your new windows.
DIY Installations: Grants require approved, qualified professionals—DIY jobs are ineligible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a window grant for just one or two windows?

No—windows/doors must be upgraded as part of a wider home energy retrofit reaching a B2 energy rating.

What’s the best time to upgrade?

Summer and early autumn see the least interruption to your home’s warmth and are optimal for installations.

Are window grants available for landlords?

Some, but strict rules apply. Most grants are for homes lived in by the owner, though recent rule changes have opened up certain schemes to landlords meeting qualifying criteria.

Is there a cap on number of windows covered by grant?

Grant values are set per property type, not per window—replace as many as needed within your home.

When is the grant money paid?

Generally, after works are completed and post-retrofit BER assessment confirms the achieved rating.

Final Checklist: Steps to Success

Check your eligibility and homes’ date of occupancy.
Contact an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop for a full home energy assessment.
Bundle your window/door upgrade in a whole-home BER improvement plan.
Apply before any work starts.
Select the right products: double/triple glazed, A- or B-rated, installed by approved professionals.
Enjoy a warmer, quieter, and more valuable home!

Why Choose Expert Windows Ltd. for Your Upgrade?

At Expert Windows Ltd., we’ve spent years helping families and homeowners across Ireland create warmer, safer, and smarter spaces. Our highly-trained team:

Is fully SEAI-compliant—your upgrade will meet all grant requirements.
Offers tailored solutions for every home style and budget.
Provides a seamless, transparent process—from grant paperwork to flawless installation.

Ready to transform your home—and unlock grant savings?

Contact Expert Windows Ltd. today for a no-obligation consultation, and let us guide you every step of the way toward a cozier, energy-smart future.

Upgrading your windows and doors is more than a renovation—it’s a leap into a brighter, more sustainable, and more affordable way of living. Make the most of Ireland’s grant support in 2025 and join the green home revolution!

(This guide reflects verified details from SEAI and Irish government resources as of July 2025. For the latest updates, always consult the SEAI website or contact Expert Windows Ltd. for personalized advice.)