Air Handling Units for Business - Heat Recovery and Upgrade

About the grant

Air handling units supply and extract air from a building. They're used in mechanically ventilated buildings (as opposed to buildings with openable windows). In older buildings, these units don't recover heat. Instead it's exhausted to the atmosphere. New air handling units or retrofit options reclaim this of waste heat in the extract to heat incoming fresh air. The fan technology in these units can also lower electrical running costs.

This grant provides the funding of up to 30% to replace or upgrade your existing air handling plant. It can be used towards all associated costs to incorporate new heat recovery and fan technology. If you're replacing your system, the existing units will be removed. The grant will provide support towards a new combined supply and extract system with integrated heat recovery.

In some instances, installing a new unit isn't feasible. This can be due to the design of the existing systems or space restrictions. In these cases the grant can provide support to retrofit heat recovery or high efficiency fans to existing units.

Grant value

Grant amounts will range from €5,000 to €60,000. The exact grant value is based on your building type, building size and the technical selections you make in your application. 

Who can apply

This grant is open to all businesses, public sector, community groups and charities seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money. The building must contain an existing supply and extract system. The system must not include the heat recovery of fan technology supported by the grant.

Key benefits

• Reduce your carbon reductions with heat recovery
• Save up to 75% on ventilation related heating costs when you replace existing units
• Save on electricity when you replace existing units, due to high efficiency fans and modern design of new units
• Where new units can't be installed, a retrofit or heat recovery and modern fans are an attractive alternative

Find an installer

These works need a level of design to ensure the system is selected and implemented correctly. We suggest getting a chartered building services engineer to assess your specific building to detail these requirements.

You can get up to 50% in grant funding towards the cost of this service. Access funding by applying for the Technical Assistance measure of the Building Energy Upgrades Scheme.

How to apply

Apply now using our fast and simple application process. It takes no more than 5 mins to apply. For a step-by-step guide and further details please find the Application Guide below.

1. Register on the SEAI Application Portal. For returning businesses, just login using your username and password
2. Select ‘Business Energy Upgrades’ from the drop-down list
3. Follow the steps, there's no requirement for any documentary upload or a review process at this stage
4. Once you hit ‘Submit’, you will receive an automated ‘Letter of Offer’ within minutes
5. You are free to start the works immediately

Top tips when making your application

• If you are not already registered with SEAI, your can register on the application portal. This process should take no more than 10 minutes.
• Check out the Pre-Application Form which mirrors the questions in the application portal. You can use it to confirm with your selected company/contractor the options to choose when making your application.
• You'll need to provide the contact details for the company who'll carry out the works for you.
• Confirm your company can meet the requirements of the scheme. These details are in the Pre-Application Form.

Downloads

• Air Handling Unit Pre-Application Form  
• Air Handling Unit Company Information Form
• Application Guidelines