Thousands of homeowners could be missing out on valuable grants designed to help pay for home improvement projects.

By upgrading insulation and other energy-saving measures, households can reduce energy consumption and lower their utility bills over time.

While these improvements are often associated with keeping homes warmer during the colder months, they can also make a noticeable difference in the summer by helping keep indoor temperatures comfortable and reducing excess heat buildup.

The Better Energy Homes Scheme offers financial support to homeowners looking to make their properties more energy efficient.

Many homeowners may not realise that financial assistance is available to help offset the cost of carrying out improvements and upgrades to their property.

The Better Energy Homes Scheme can help cover the cost of several types of energy-saving upgrades, including attic and wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, internal dry lining, and heating control upgrades.

It also includes grants for solar thermal systems for hot water heating, as well as Solar PV panels for electricity generation, heat pump systems, and a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment after any works are completed.

However, the scheme does not provide grants for replacing windows or doors, or replacing gas or oil boilers

So while the grants can significantly reduce the cost of improving your home’s energy efficiency, certain renovation works fall outside the scheme.

The level of funding available depends on the work being carried out, with some homeowners eligible for grants of up to €8,000 for eligible energy-efficiency improvements.

Homeowners may also be able to take advantage of the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme to help finance any remaining costs.

Backed by the Government, these loans offer more competitive interest rates than many standard personal loans.

To apply, homeowners must first be approved for an energy upgrade grant through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

Find out here if you qualify.