Energyfix, a newly launched, SEAI-registered one-stop-shop for energy upgrades, is to shake up the market, offering forward-funding of SEAI grants for homeowners.
The company, operating from Galway, Cork and Dublin, aims to capitalise on Ireland’s target of retrofitting 500,000 homes to a B2 Building Energy Rating (BER), by 2030, under the National Retrofit Plan. Offering homeowners and housing providers a simplified, turnkey route to energy-efficient living and cost-savings, the Irish-owned startup helps organise funding for clients, and subsidises the SEAI retrofit grant amount, not normally available for months after upgrade works are completed and verified.
Sean Armstrong (pic), Managing Director of Energyfix, says the aim is to become ‘the’ trusted retrofit partner for households across Ireland. “We are delivering complete home energy upgrades, from initial assessment and grant application, through to funding advice, installation and final inspection,” he said.
“Our comprehensive service removes the complexity and red tape, and we specialise in helping homeowners unlock the highest available grant funding.” Energyfix works with homeowners, Approved Housing Bodies, and commercial property owners on fully managed retrofit solutions.
A team of experienced engineers, project managers, and retrofit specialists oversees every stage of the process, including technical surveys, procurement, grant handling, project delivery, and quality checks. Unlike other providers, Energyfix forward-funds SEAI grants, easing cashflow and borrowing requirements. “This means homeowners only need fund the net cost of works, less the grant amount promised,” Armstrong explains.
“We’re making it financially accessible to upgrade older homes, cut energy bills, and increase property values, while, at the same time, contributing to Ireland’s emissions targets.” Retrofitted energy upgrades can include attic and wall insulation, heat pumps, new windows and doors, or solar panels.
Homeowners’ investment can range from €6,000 upwards, depending on the scale of work undertaken and the size and condition of the property. According to Sean Armstrong of Energyfix, the average cost for full retrofitting is €70,000 to €90,000 before grant funding is applied.
Government grants are provided through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and funding, which can amount to tens of thousands, is released on project completion, usually 4-6 weeks after necessary documentation, including the new post-works Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment, is submitted and verified. Along with private homeowners, Energyfix partners with approved housing bodies to design and deliver retrofit programmes that enhance tenant comfort, tackle energy poverty, and reduce carbon emissions in line with government targets.
Typical Energyfix retrofit projects would include a detached family home upgraded to a B2 BER through external insulation, triple-glazed windows, and a heat pump. This normally results in a drop in energy consumption of around 40% and savings of €1,200 on annual heating bills, on top of an enhanced property value.
