Sir, – While I would love to retrofit my 1952 home and install a heat pump, it would not be cost effective as the outlay is substantial in comparison with the grants received.
Therein lies the main problem with getting many people to retrofit: the cost involved. At my stage of life, I just couldn’t justify spending that kind of money for little return. Maybe if I live another 20 years, I’ll be able to get it done for free!
Another obstacle is the rigidity of the criteria required for installation of a heat pump. A close relative refurbished and insulated a 1950s home four years ago. They recently paid a whopping €900 for a suitability survey to be carried out. Believe it or not, the answer was no. Why? The insulation was not thick enough! – Yours, etc,
DEIRDRE DELANY,
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Raheny,
Dublin 5.
