Behind The Walls | #10 with Mike Finnerty

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.

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 E

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.

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 episode, we sit down with Eoin McGann from EMG Energy Consultants to break down everything you need to know about home energy assessments. Whether you're considering a retrofit, thinking about installing a heat pump, or just want to understand where your home stands energy-wise, this is the episode for you. Eoin walks us through the entire process from start to finish, explaining what assessors actually look at when they visit your home, how the roadmap system works, and why getting your assessment done is the essential first step on your retrofit journey. We also discuss the Heat Loss Indicator (HLI), why it matters for heat pump eligibility, and how the industry has evolved over the years. Pete shares his own experience having Eoin assess his 20-year-old home, and we explore why every homeowner in Ireland should seriously consider getting their home energy assessment done while the grants are still available.