5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Home Energy Upgrade Journey
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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Home Energy Upgrade Journey

Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency can make a real difference to comfort and running costs — but small mistakes early on can lead to wasted money or missed opportunities. This guide highlights five common mistakes Irish homeowners make during energy upgrades, and explains how to avoid them with clear planning and the right first step.
Published on 02 February 2026 : Updated 03 February • 6 minute read

Mistake 1: Starting with upgrades instead of understanding the home


One of the most common mistakes is jumping straight into upgrades without understanding how the home performs as a whole.

Heat loss, draughts, ventilation and heating systems all interact. Upgrading one element in isolation can limit the benefits. Starting with a Home Energy Assessment gives you a full picture first, so upgrades are planned in the right order and work together properly.

Mistake 2: Choosing upgrades based on trends or recommendations alone


What works well in one home may not suit another.

Homes differ in age, construction type, layout and usage. Following trends or advice without assessing your own home can lead to upgrades that underperform or feel disappointing. A tailored plan helps ensure upgrades are suited to your home — not just popular at the time.

Mistake 3: Underestimating the importance of insulation and ventilation


Heating upgrades often get the most attention, but insulation and ventilation play a critical role in comfort and efficiency.

Without proper insulation, heat escapes quickly. Without good ventilation, comfort and air quality can suffer. A well-planned upgrade journey looks at insulation, airtightness and ventilation first, creating the right conditions for heating systems to perform properly.

Mistake 4: Focusing only on grants instead of long-term outcomes


Grants are an important support, but they should not be the only driver of decisions.

Choosing upgrades solely because a grant is available can lead to poor sequencing or missed opportunities. A Home Energy Assessment helps you understand which grants may apply — while keeping the focus on comfort, performance and long-term value for your home.

Mistake 5: Not knowing what happens next


Uncertainty about timelines, steps and decisions can cause delays or stop projects entirely.

Clear guidance on what happens next — from assessment to planning to installation — makes the process feel manageable. Knowing there is no obligation to proceed immediately also gives homeowners confidence to take the first step without pressure.
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Why avoiding these mistakes matters


Energy upgrades work best when they are planned, not rushed. Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure improvements deliver real comfort, efficiency and long-term value — rather than frustration or regret.

A clear plan allows you to move forward at your own pace, with confidence in each decision.

Take your first step


A Home Energy Assessment helps you avoid costly mistakes by giving you a clear understanding of your home before you upgrade.

You can book your Home Energy Assessment online in just a few minutes, with an additional online booking discount available. If you prefer to speak with someone first, our team is available to guide you.

Take your first step today and plan your home energy upgrade journey with clarity and confidence.
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Mary Hilda Hurley, Retrofit Expert
Published on 02 February 2026: Updated 03 February • 6 minute read
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D1 → A3, massive increase in comfort & over 70% reduction in energy bills!

John and Brenda wanted a warmer, more efficient home as they looked ahead to retirement.

“For me it was more about the cost… Brenda was more about the heat. We brought both of our reasons together and found Churchfield. Churchfield were so helpful in every area.” — John Brady
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