Save the PLANET and make money doing it

Kilmacow Home Energy 

Information Night- September 16 from 5pm to 9pm  

16/Sep/2026      Community Sports Hall, Kilmacow

Home Energy Information night, open to all members of the community.

- FIGHT Climate Change - Aligned with the national climate change action strategy.
- Why should I upgrade? Financial and Health benefits.
- What measures should I take? Insulation, Heating and Energy generation.
- Who'll be there? SEAI, Kilkenny CoCo, South East Energy Agency, Leader, Journi, AIB, Solar Installers, Heat Pump experts, Insulation Contractors, Project Managers and neighbours who have been through the experience.
- Listen to experts, chat with your neighbours - tea/coffee and snacks provided free.
- Don't know where to start? Join us on the 16 Sep 2026 from 5pm to 9pm. NO entrance Fee.


Energy Price Guide from Energy Association of Ireland https://www.eaireland.com/energyguide/

SEIA supports https://conferencepartnersirl-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/r/personal/orlaith_kelly_conferencepartners_ie/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B625B5F7A-DC18-4850-B2D4-27AAE9D8834E%7D&file=Policy%20Updates%20to%20SEAI%20Energy%20Grants_Ronan%20Synnott_22.04.2026.pptx&action=edit&mobileredirect=true


Under Construction

Under Construction

Where does the HEAT go?

Roof and walls:  60% - 70%

Windows and Doors: 10% - 15%

Floors: 10% - 15%

Draughts: 10% - 15%

Best sequence for upgrades:

1.  Roof/Ceiling/ Attic insulation - Payback 2 to 3 years.

Roof/Ceiling/Attic insulation is the least expensive of the major measures but the benefits are very significant. Insulation to a dept of 300mm is required. For most houses this can be completed in a matter of hours.

2. Wall insulation -Payback 2 to 5 years.

For cavity walls this is a a straightforward job. Holes are drilled into the wall and beads are pumped in between the cavities.  For solid walls either an external wrap or internal slabbing are required. External wrap is the most expensive and payback can take up to 5 years.

3. Solar panels - 5 to 8 years.

4. Heat Pump - 6 to 10 years.

5. Windows/Doors - 15 to 40 years.

Tea/ Coffee and sandwiches free on the night



Where does all the HEAT go?

Walls and Roof are the worst offenders for heat loss and the least expensive to improve.

Draughts and Leaks are also usually inexpensive to eliminate.

It can cost LESS than €1,500 to cut your heating costs by almost half.

Phase 1: EVERY house should have walls and ceiling insulated as a first priority.

Most houses in Kilmacow are suitable for 300mm attic insulation and cavity wall bead insulation. These houses are the least expensive to upgrade and payback is less than 2 years.
Typical heat cost reduction of 40% can be expected. For detached houses built before 2006 that would typically save €600 but can be up to €800 per year.
Houses with Dormer windows or without wall cavity will be more expensive to insulate, a professional assessor will advise on likely costs and benefits.
 
Phase 2: Consider either Solar Panels OR Heat Pump.
A Heat Pump would probably require further work to the fabric of the home. Leaks and draughts should be eliminated (usually low cost), heat recovery ventilation might be considered (maybe around €5,000).  A heat pump requires a home to be at least BER rated B.  You can then expect 400% efficiency from an air to water heat pump. An air to air heat pump can achieve 500% efficiency. If you are considering a Heat Pump the best route to go is the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) from the begining.  Typical OSS investment after grant can be between €30,000 and €50,000 with a payback period of 10 to 15 years.

Solar panels are a stand alone upgrade in that their performance is not impacted by the BER rating of the house. A well designed solar panel system can payback in less than 5 years, but typical payback period is 6 to 7 years. Sometimes people start out with a smaller, more basic system with a view to expanding when finance is available. This needs to be incorporated into the system design from day one, referred to as future proofing.  Increasing efficiency in latest designs mean having more output from a limited roof space.


Heat Pump

In a well insulated home (B2 or better) a Heat pump is SUPERIOR to oil or gas central heating in terms of consistent heating and running cost.

Up front costs are high, but running costs and maintenance costs are lower than gas or oil. Heat pumps do not require suplimentation by fire-places.

For homes with existing water based central heating the best choice is Air-to-Water which will use the existing pipework and probably the existing radiators. 

Homes which do not have existing water based central may be better served with Air-to-Air.

Typical payback is 6 to 10 years.


All are welcome

Saving money while saving the Planet

Financial Support

Supports are available from 2 main sources:

1. SEAI grants (see presentation on the night).

2. Green Loans from banks and credit union. 


Allied Irish Banks, Permanent TSB and Journi representatives will be joining us to give people information on the new government low interest loans available for Home Energy Upgrades. 

An SEAI representative will be on hand to explain the Warmer Home Scheme, the One-Stop-Shop and other grant schemes. Assistance will be available for those wishing to apply for grants on the night.