With talk of gas boilers being phased out and large SEAI grants for heat pumps, many Dublin homeowners aren't sure what to do when their old boiler needs replacing. Here's a straight comparison of the two options in 2026.

Are gas boilers being banned in Ireland?

Not for existing homes. As of autumn 2026, there is no ban on replacing a gas boiler with a new gas boiler in an existing home. Any replacement must be an efficient condensing boiler with proper controls, as the Building Regulations require.

The Government has signalled a long-term move away from fossil fuel heating, and new homes are built to much stricter energy standards that in practice favour heat pumps. Policy may tighten in the coming years, so it's worth keeping an eye on SEAI announcements – but if you need a new boiler now, gas is still a legal and common choice.

Upfront costs

  • New gas boiler: typically around €2,200–€4,500 installed, depending on the type and the work involved. See our new boiler cost guide.
  • Air-to-water heat pump: typically around €10,000–€18,000 before grants, plus any extra work such as larger radiators, a new hot water cylinder or insulation.

SEAI grants

There is no SEAI grant for replacing a gas boiler with another gas boiler. A heating controls grant is available for homes built and occupied before 2011.

Heat pumps attract much larger grants. At the time of writing, SEAI offers grants of up to €14,500 for an air-to-water heat pump in a house (less for apartments), for homes built and occupied before 2021. That maximum includes up to €2,000 for removing an existing oil or gas boiler. Homes built before 2007 usually need a technical assessment first, which SEAI supports with a €200 grant, unless the home already has a BER showing a low enough heat loss. Grant amounts and rules change, so always check the latest figures on seai.ie.

Is your home ready for a heat pump?

Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes, because they heat at lower temperatures than a gas boiler. Many newer and well-insulated homes are suitable straight away. Older homes – especially those with solid walls or little insulation – often need insulation upgrades first, which adds cost and disruption.

Which should you choose?

A new gas boiler may suit you better if:

  • Your home is older or poorly insulated and you don't plan a deep retrofit soon
  • Your boiler has failed and you need heating back quickly
  • You want the lowest upfront cost

A heat pump may suit you better if:

  • Your home is well insulated, or you're already planning a retrofit
  • You can take advantage of the SEAI grants
  • You want to move away from fossil fuels for the long term

Talk it through with us

If you've decided gas is right for now, our RGI registered engineers can fit an efficient new condensing boiler, usually in a single day. See our new boiler installations, ask about finance options, or call 0872 855 624 for honest advice.