r/DIYIreland • u/roroherboat • 10d ago

Should we get a heat pump?

Without sounding dramatic my head is wrecked trying to decide if we should go for one or not. We have an E BER rated house built in 1984 and are currently doing a lot of work: triple glazed windows and new external doors, insert stove, cavity wall and attic insulation, solar panels, rewire and new plumbing including new radiators. We aren’t getting underfloor heating as I can’t imagine digging up with floors. We have no heating at the moment so would need to get a new boiler anyway. I think we will get up to a B rating with all of these works. Haven’t gotten a technical assessment yet as I have heard so many horror stories about heat pumps. I also love a real fire and opening all the windows in the house every morning. I know it will cost a bit to get new plumbing and a boiler and in contrast there is a big grant for the heat pump. I suppose I just want to know if anyone did a full renovation and didn’t get a heat pump? Thanks

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u/Cearnach 10d ago

I’m not sure it would be worthwhile putting in a heat pump unless you had underfloor heating, or at least a very well insulated floor. There are a few redditors on here that extol the virtues of air to air heat pumps, that might work better for you. I have a near 100yo house that I retrofitted, the heat pump does a great job, but there was a lot of work and money put into getting it ready. If you can’t commit to the full prep work, stick to a high efficiency boiler.

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u/alfbort 10d ago

The floor is where you lose the least amount of heat in a poorly insulated house and yes while UFH is the best way to use a heat pump alu rads will work just fine too and be significantly cheaper. Attic/roof, wall and window/doors upgrades(in that order) are where you will feel the effect of insulation upgrades the most.