New grants of up to €5,600 for windows and doors

A new Government grant scheme offering thousands of euro to help homeowners upgrade their windows and doors has opened for applications, in a move aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes across Ireland.

The grant, announced in January by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien, allows eligible homeowners to claim up to €4,000 toward energy-efficient windows and €800 per external door, up to a maximum of two doors. The scheme is part of the Government’s National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026, which has allocated a record €558M for residential energy upgrades this year.

Applications opened on March 3 through the online portal operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Homeowners who ordered works after January 27, when the scheme was first announced, can still avail of the grant.

Under the updated rules, homeowners can apply for these improvements as standalone measures under the Better Energy Homes Scheme, making smaller upgrades more accessible.

Energy experts say windows and doors can account for up to 30% of heat loss in older homes. Replacing them with modern, energy-efficient units can reduce heating costs and improve comfort, while also preparing homes for low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps.

The Government hopes the grant will encourage homeowners to retrofit properties in stages rather than committing to a single large renovation. The measure is also supported by continued tax incentives, with Budget 2026 maintaining a 0% VAT rate on the installation of energy-efficient windows.

Grant amounts vary depending on property type. Detached houses can receive up to €4,000 for windows and €1,600 for two doors, bringing the potential total to €5,600. Semi-detached and end-of-terrace homes can receive up to €4,600 combined, while mid-terrace houses may receive up to €3,400. Apartments and duplexes can access grants worth up to €3,100.

To qualify, properties must have been built and occupied before 2011 and must be owner-occupied as a primary residence. Homes must also meet a minimum energy performance standard.

All work must be carried out by SEAI-registered contractors and must meet specific technical standards, including a maximum U-value of 1.4 W/m²K for new windows and doors. Triple glazing is required for north-facing windows, while double glazing is the minimum elsewhere.

Homeowners can apply directly through the SEAI portal or use an SEAI-registered “One Stop Shop” provider, which manages assessments, contractors and grant paperwork.

The grant contributes toward upgrade costs but does not cover them entirely. Estimates suggest replacing windows and doors in a typical four-bedroom semi-detached house could cost around €18,000, meaning the maximum €4,600 grant would offset a portion of the expense. Green loans from banks and credit unions are available to help homeowners finance the remainder.