Behind The Walls

In this episode, Pete and Ferg sit down without a guest for a summer recap — and there's plenty to cover. From the SEAI's major grant uplifts at the start of the year to the shock of war in the Middle East sending oil and fuel prices through the roof, the lads break down what it all means for Irish homeowners. They make the case for why summer is actually the perfect time to start planning your home energy upgrade — before the autumn rush hits and contractors become impossible to reach.
Pete shares his own firsthand experience fitting solar panels and a heat pump, going full app-watcher mode tracking energy generation and savings. Fergal explains the home energy assessment process from start to finish, busts common myths around grants and timing, and outlines why getting your retrofit paperwork in order now — not in October — is the smartest move you can make.
They also touch on the Warmer Homes scheme, grants for approved housing bodies, the growing case for EVs, the importance of switching energy providers annually, and what the future might hold — from renovation passports to a potential heat pump electricity rate.
Whether you're just starting out or already mid-retrofit, this is a straight-talking, no-nonsense update on everything happening in the Irish home energy space right now.

Timecodes
00:00 – Welcome & what to expect: Pete and Ferg's summer recap episode
00:37 – Why summer is the worst time to forget about your heating system
01:18 – Get your home energy assessment done now — don't wait until September
02:12 – SEAI grant uplifts: what changed and how homeowners have responded
03:35 – Heat pump grants explained: from €6,500 up to €12,500 — what's included
04:44 – Individual grant route vs. one stop shop: which is right for you?
05:23 – The war in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz: what happened to Irish energy prices
06:41 – How vulnerable are we to fossil fuel supply shocks? The case for futureproofing
07:05 – EV sales spike and the push away from fossil fuels
08:12 – Who felt the pinch most? Oil, diesel, and the timing of the crisis
09:56 – Heat pumps run on electricity — but electricity prices went up too
10:43 – Solar PV: the "cherry on top" measure and why timing matters
12:26 – Pete's solar panel journey: 20 panels, 4 batteries, and going all in
14:24 – Off-grid during the day: how batteries and cheap night rates work together
15:50 – Selling back to the grid and optimising your energy plan
17:37 – Right-sizing your solar system: don't go bigger than your usage needs
19:23 – Tracking results over a full year: why summer figures alone don't tell the whole story
20:55 – Always switch energy provider when your contract is up
21:46 – Grant updates for approved housing bodies: up to 100% funding available
23:11 – The Warmer Homes scheme, energy poverty grants, and community energy coordinators
24:42 – Winter is coming: why human nature works against homeowners in summer
26:27 – What is a home energy assessment? A plain-English breakdown
28:07 – What the assessment costs, what you get, and why it's worth every cent
29:12 – Pete's own assessment experience and how it shaped his retrofit decisions
31:15 – Common mistakes to avoid: don't do any work before your letter of offer arrives
32:53 – The biggest mistake of all: doing nothing and waiting too long
34:19 – Remember last winter? Now is the time to act on it
35:19 – The "carrot and stick" — grants won't last forever, and penalties may follow
35:57 – Book contractors now: summer is the only time they'll answer the phone
37:07 – Is it possible to be fully crisis-proof? Fergal's experience during the energy shock
38:33 – Every step towards self-sufficiency counts — even the small ones
39:16 – Attic insulation: the quickest win with the fastest payback
40:05 – How retrofit affects property value: €50k difference on the same road
41:23 – Location, location, BER rating: how buyers are factoring in energy efficiency
42:31 – Quality of life with a retrofitted home — hard to put into words, easy to feel
42:47 – What's coming next: renovation passports and a potential heat pump electricity rate
45:02 – A new entity entering Ireland that could improve heat pump efficiency
45:38 – Wrap-up and final thoughts

In this episode of Behind the Walls, hosts Pete and Ferg are joined by Caitriona O'Connor, Show Director of the  PTSB Ideal Home Show. With over 30 years of history behind the event, Caitriona shares insights into how Irish homeowners’ priorities have evolved—from basic upgrades to full-scale energy-efficient retrofits.
The conversation dives into everything from the rise of heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation (“fabric first”) to common (and costly) mistakes homeowners make when upgrading their homes. They also explore current trends like outdoor living spaces, modular homes, smart technology, and the growing importance of BER ratings.
If you're planning a renovation, considering a retrofit, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical advice, expert insights, and tips on how to make the most of the Ideal Home Show.
00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome
Introduction to the episode and guest Caitriona O'Connor, Show Director of the Ideal Home Show.
00:30 – History of the Ideal Home Show
Overview of the show’s 30+ year legacy and Katrina’s 18 years managing it.
01:06 – How Home Trends Have Changed
Shift in homeowner priorities—from aesthetics to energy efficiency and retrofits.
01:42 – Post-Covid Home Upgrades
Rise in demand for insulation, attic conversions, and energy-saving improvements.
02:21 – Variety of Exhibitors & What to Expect
Breakdown of the wide range of construction and home improvement sectors at the show.
03:09 – What’s Trending Right Now
Outdoor living, saunas, garden rooms, and wellness-focused home features.
03:33 – Expert Talks & Speakers
Overview of expert panels, including retrofit specialists, architects, and engineers.
04:50 – “Fabric First” Explained
Why insulation and airtightness should come before heating systems or solar.
05:37 – Why Face-to-Face Advice Matters
Importance of asking questions and getting expert guidance in person.
06:41 – Who Should Attend the Show?
Why the event suits everyone—from casual shoppers to serious renovators.
07:06 – What’s at the Show (Theatres & Features)
Home Advice Theatre, Interiors Theatre, Chef’s Stage, and “Ask an Expert” hub.
08:20 – Simplifying Complex Topics
Breaking down industry jargon and avoiding confusion for homeowners.
09:28 – Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Real-life example of poor planning leading to wasted money on solar panels.
10:12 – The “Cherry on Top” Concept
Why solar PV should come after proper insulation and energy upgrades.
11:39 – Importance of Trusted Advice
Avoiding misinformation and relying on qualified experts.
12:15 – Key Speakers & Topics
Featuring architects, lenders, retrofit experts, and grant advisors.
13:22 – Event Layout & What to Expect
Breakdown of exhibition areas and where to find advice and talks.
14:32 – Why the Show Appeals to Everyone
Blending construction, interiors, and lifestyle elements.
15:05 – Planning Your Visit
How to approach the show strategically for maximum benefit.
16:17 – Bringing Plans & Doing Research
Why preparation helps you get the most from expert advice.
17:12 – Time Needed at the Show
Visitors typically spend 4–5 hours exploring.
17:36 – Why People Are Renovating Instead of Moving
Housing crisis impact and rise in home upgrades.
18:19 – Energy Costs & Future-Proofing Homes
Why energy efficiency is becoming a top priority.
19:16 – Grants & Financial Incentives
Importance of using available grants and funding options.
20:04 – BER Ratings & Property Value
How energy ratings now influence buying decisions.
21:03 – Decision-Making for Homeowners
Balancing cost, comfort, and long-term investment.
21:57 – Smart Homes & Technology Trends
Growth in automation, security, and energy management systems.
22:55 – Outdoor Living Boom
Garden rooms, outdoor kitchens, and wellness spaces.
24:40 – Insulation & Ventilation Importance
Avoiding common issues like condensation and damp.
27:16 – Ventilation Deep Dive
Why it’s often overlooked but critical for healthy homes.
28:55 – Current Top Trends Recap
Energy upgrades, kitchens, bathrooms, and smart homes.
30:05 – Lessons from Covid Living
How lockdown changed how we use and value our homes.
31:14 – Decluttering & Maximizing Space
Importance of efficient layouts and storage solutions.
32:16 – Minimalism & Wellness in Design
Shift toward simpler, calmer home environments.
33:18 – Final Advice for Visitors
Ask questions, attend talks, and engage with experts.
34:05 – Preparing for the Show
Bring plans, photos, and documents for better advice.
35:49 – Event Details & Schedule
Dates, times, and tips for attending.
38:30 – Best Time to Visit & Planning Tools
Using the website and product finder to plan your day.
39:05 – Building Relationships with Experts
Why meeting professionals in person matters.
41:23 – Tickets & Final Info
How to register, get tickets, and plan your visit.
42:01 – Outro
Final thoughts and reminder to check out previous episodes.

Description
Following on from their viral episode on the new SEAI grant uplifts, Pete and Retrofit Ferg go deep on the grant that got the biggest boost — the heat pump grant, now worth up to €12,500. To do it justice, they brought in the right person: April McHale of Mitsubishi Electric, with over 25 years of experience in the heating industry.
This episode is a masterclass in everything heat pumps. April and the lads cover how heat pumps actually work, why fabric-first is the right approach (for any heating system), and what the installation process really looks like from start to finish. They bust the most common myths — noise, running costs, power cuts — and give homeowners a clear, step-by-step roadmap for applying for the grant, getting a technical assessment, and getting the work done correctly.
There's also a real-life cautionary tale about €18,000 worth of grants lost due to bad advice, a discussion of the new high-temperature heat pump pilot using R290 refrigerant, and an honest, first-hand account of a heat pump installed in a stone cottage from the 1800s that proves the technology works in even the most unlikely homes. If you're thinking about a heat pump — or know someone whose boiler is on its last legs — this is required listening.

Timecodes
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction Pete and Ferg introduce the episode as a follow-up to their viral SEAI grants episode. This one goes deep on heat pumps, with special guest April McHale of Mitsubishi Electric.
01:10 – Meet April McHale April's background — 25+ years in the heating industry, starting with underfloor heating in 1999, moving through geothermal and air-to-water heat pumps, solar, and retrofit. Now with Mitsubishi Electric.
03:04 – New Builds vs Retrofit: Why Heat Pumps Work So Well New builds are built to airtight standards and are a natural fit for heat pumps. The challenge — and the big opportunity — is retrofitting heat pumps into existing homes.
04:49 – Fabric First: Why Your Home Needs to Be Ready You can install a heat pump in any home, but the better insulated it is, the lower the running temperature and the greater the efficiency. Attic insulation, wall insulation, good windows — these all matter regardless of what heating system you're using.
06:13 – The Triple Win of Heat Pumps One unit of electricity generates 3–4 units of heat. Zero combustion, no fumes, better air quality. Lower running costs, dramatically better comfort levels, and better for the environment. Pete's "triple win" explained.
07:35 – Addressing the Negativity Around Heat Pumps Why do heat pumps get such a bad press? April explains the reason: they're always pushed to run at low temperatures for efficiency, and when they're not designed or installed properly, problems follow. The solution: use SEAI-registered contractors.
07:52 – The New Heat Pump Grant: €12,500 Explained Breakdown of the new grant: €6,500 base + €4,000 renewable heat bonus + €2,000 for central heating upgrades (radiators or underfloor heating). Now covers 60–65% of overall costs in most cases.
09:17 – Heat Pump vs Oil Boiler: The Real Comparison Yes, a boiler swap costs less upfront. But you're locking in fossil fuels for another 15–20 years. Carbon taxes are going one way. The grants are there now — this is the time to make the switch.
11:59 – What a Heat Pump Installation Actually Involves Outdoor unit, new cylinder, updated radiators if needed. A typical retrofit swap-out takes about two days. April walks through exactly what to expect and what gets disrupted.
13:27 – Comfort Levels: The Thing No One Talks About Enough Lower flow temperatures, consistent background heat, no blast-and-freeze cycle. The difference in comfort when moving from oil/gas to a heat pump is something homeowners consistently rave about.
16:36 – Air Quality & Health Benefits No combustion, no flue, no fumes. A heat pump means cleaner air inside your home. A benefit that's often overlooked.
17:35 – Changing Your Habits with a Heat Pump Leaving oil and gas behind means leaving behind the Irish habit of rationing heat. With a heat pump, you set your temperature and leave it — consistent, low, ambient heat all the time. Don't turn it off when you go out.
20:07 – Just Leave It Alone The single most important piece of advice for heat pump owners. Set it, leave it. No need to interfere. The system manages itself.
22:19 – Servicing & Maintenance Heat pumps should be serviced every year — it's a condition of warranty in most cases. Not expensive, not complicated. Don't wait for something to go wrong.
23:57 – Heat Pump Reliability April and Ferg's experience: no callbacks, no breakdowns. When sized and installed correctly, heat pumps just quietly and consistently do their job.
25:05 – How to Apply for the Grant: Step by Step Go online to the SEAI portal, enter your MPRN, get instant approval. Then get your energy assessment, choose a registered installer, get the work done, submit paperwork, receive payment. Eight months to complete the work under the individual grant.
26:13 – Technical Assessment & Heat Loss Indicator (HLI) Explained What is the heat loss indicator? Why does it matter for heat pump grants? How does a BER rating differ from a HLI? And why solar PV can give you a great BER but still leave you with a poor HLI.
29:07 – Getting a Home Energy Assessment: The Smart Starting Point Why getting a full home energy assessment (including technical assessment) through a One-Stop Shop gives you all the information you need in one go — the BER advisory report, roadmap, and technical assessment — for a combined grant of €350.
33:08 – Common Urban Myths: Noise Does a heat pump make a constant loud noise? Not if it's installed correctly. The outdoor fan is quiet, the thermal insulation in a properly upgraded home has acoustic benefits, and placement matters. Ferg's gas boiler used to wake him up at 6am. His heat pump doesn't.
36:05 – The Danger of Bad Advice: A €18,000 Cautionary Tale A homeowner got new windows and a heat pump installed before applying for grants — on a builder's advice. Result: €18,000 in grants lost. There are no retrospective SEAI grants. Always get approval first.
39:33 – How to Qualify Your Information Source Don't rely on Facebook, social media "experts," or even mainstream media commentators. Go to the SEAI website. Speak to registered contractors. Get it in writing. And make sure you get approval before a single bit of work is done.
41:41 – Grant Timeline & Flexibility Eight months to complete work under individual grants; 12 months for One-Stop Shop. Once you're in the system and communicating with SEAI, they will work with you. The key is getting approval first.
42:03 – The Installation Process in Detail Heat loss calculations room by room, radiator sizing, cylinder sizing, pipework assessment, controls and zoning. It's all done by the installer — the homeowner doesn't need to worry about any of it.
44:16 – Radiators: Steel vs Aluminium, and Practical Upgrades Steel radiators are cheaper, more widely available, and perfectly suitable for heat pump systems. Going from single to double panel is often all that's needed to get the right output — no need for complete replacements.

In this episode of Behind the Walls, Roy, Ferg (aka The Retrofit Guy), and special guest Stephen from the SEAI break down the latest Irish home energy grant changes and what they actually mean for homeowners.
With recent grant increases and new measures announced, the lads cut through the noise and misinformation to explain:
What grants have increased
Who is eligible (and who isn’t)
The truth about windows & doors grants
How to upgrade your home step by step, without wasting money
Why insulation still comes before shiny upgrades
How to create a long-term retrofit pathway that leads to heat pumps and lower bills
This is a must-listen for homeowners, first-time buyers, and anyone thinking about energy upgrades in 2025 and beyond.
Timecodes
00:00 – Welcome & introduction
00:45 – Grant increases announced: what’s changed and why it matters
02:10 – Heat pump grants explained (€12.5k breakdown)
03:45 – One Stop Shop vs individual grants
04:28 – New high-temperature heat pump pilot (boiler-style heat pumps)
06:45 – Who high-temp heat pumps are best suited for
07:38 – Attic & cavity wall insulation grant increases
09:10 – How to apply for individual grants (step-by-step)
10:12 – Why insulation is still the best first upgrade
12:00 – Comfort vs cost: why insulation changes everything
14:50 – Registered contractors vs “cheap jobs” explained
18:25 – Windows & doors grants: what everyone is asking
19:03 – Windows & doors now available as standalone grants
20:16 – Eligibility rules: attic & walls must be “good” or “very good”
21:13 – BER advisory reports explained simply
22:00 – Why windows aren’t a free-for-all
24:17 – Why a home energy assessment is essential
26:04 – Creating a realistic retrofit pathway over time
27:27 – First-time buyer enhanced insulation grants
28:23 – Why One Stop Shops still matter
29:16 – Airtightness, ventilation & hidden upgrades
30:06 – Project management realities homeowners underestimate
32:24 – Breaking down the windows & doors pathway clearly
34:08 – External wall insulation vs internal dry lining
36:35 – Easy wins: attic + cavity wall first
38:12 – Heat pumps myths vs reality
39:36 – Why solar PV should be the “cherry on top”
41:34 – Can you get a second wall insulation grant?
43:03 – Extra supports for energy-poor households
44:00 – Final thoughts: spending money in the right order

In this Behind the Walls season finale, Pete and Fergal are joined by special guest Mike Finnerty to wrap up an incredible year of homeowner education, retrofit insights, and myth-busting. Together, they break down what homeowners still need to know, why government clarity matters more than ever, and how Season 2 will raise the bar even higher.
The trio dive into the big questions facing the retrofit journey:
 • Will grants change next year?
 • Are government ministers truly committed?
 • What information do homeowners need now to make confident decisions?

00:00 – 00:31:04
 Opening & Why the Podcast Exists
Pete and Fergal reflect on their mission to break down retrofit knowledge for everyday homeowners — joined today by guest Mike Finnerty.
31:04 – 32:24
 Keeping It Simple: Breaking Down Technical Jargon
How the team translates expert insights into clearer, “caveman-style” explanations.
32:24 – 33:48
 Why a Government Minister Needs to Join Season Two
Mike asks the big questions: Why is ministerial clarity essential, and what should they be pressed on?
33:48 – 36:18
 The One Question Homeowners Need Answered
Are the government genuinely committed to the retrofit journey — and will they fund it long-term?
36:18 – 37:43
 Climate Reality & Ireland’s Environmental Challenges
The team looks beyond grants to water quality, climate shifts, and long-term sustainability.
37:43 – 38:22
 Season Break Banter
Will the lads miss each other? A Starsky & Hutch moment (and Christmas jokes).
38:22 – 39:16
 Upcoming One-Stop-Shop Live Event
Mike and Fergal announce the next event: Silver Springs Clayton Hotel, Cork — December 4th.
39:16 – 40:03
 Homeowners Are Asking Smarter Questions
Why the public is more informed than ever — and why the “sticky” questions are the best ones.
40:03 – 41:11
 Feedback & Season Two Improvements
Pete, Fergal, and Mike chat about balance, structure, and what they’ll tweak in the next season.
41:11 – 42:03
 Architects, Criticism at Home & Dream Guests
A funny exchange about architects, Mike’s wife, and why Dermot Bannon is a must-have guest.
42:03 – 43:16
 The Origin Story
How the idea for the podcast was born in a Galway bar — and why none of them expected it to take off like this.
43:16 – 43:50
 Final Thoughts & Looking to 2025
Thanking listeners, encouraging questions, and promising an even stronger season ahead.
43:50 – End
 Closing Moments
Laughs, bloopers, and the official sign-off.