How To Fix A Cold Apartment

Improving the energy efficiency of an apartment or flat can feel overwhelming, particularly in older buildings or those with multiple owners. Unlike houses, where upgrades are often more straightforward, apartment dwellers face additional challenges when it comes to insulation, heating and retrofitting.

In Ireland, 244,077 apartments and flats house a significant number of residents, many of whom struggle with poor energy efficiency. Older apartments, in particular, often lack proper insulation, making it difficult to stay warm in winter. Retrofitting is one of the most effective ways to enhance comfort and reduce heating costs, but for many, it can be a complex and costly process. In this blog, we’ll explore practical steps to improve warmth and energy efficiency, even on a tight budget.

First Step: Speak to the Owner’s Management Company (OMC)

If you live in a cold apartment with a low Building Energy Rating (BER), the first step is to engage with your Owner’s Management Company (OMC). If multiple residents in your building are struggling with high heating costs, the OMC may be able to explore capital investment in energy efficiency upgrades. A good starting point is to request that the OMC board of directors add this issue to the agenda at their next general meeting for discussion.

If the OMC is open to improvements, they may consider replacing windows, a relatively simple upgrade that can significantly improve heat retention. In most cases, the cost would be apportioned among residents as part of a shared investment.

Another highly effective measure is insulating external walls, which can dramatically improve energy efficiency. Any such work must be overseen by a qualified consultant to ensure it meets certified design standards and complies with regulations.

Challenges In Getting An OMC To Retrofit Your Apartment Block

Getting an OMC to approve a retrofitting project can be a long and challenging process, often complicated by factors such as financing and ownership structures. In many apartment blocks, units are owned by multiple landlords or individual residents, making it difficult to secure agreement from all parties.

Before any work can proceed, a vote is required, and you’ll need a majority of OMC voting members to support the project before any capital investment can begin. The more residents you can get on board, the better the chances of moving forward with energy efficiency upgrades.

Grants For Apartment Block Retrofitting

Grants are available to OMCs to help cover the cost of retrofitting apartment blocks. Before applying, the OMC should contact info@betterenergyhomes.ie for guidance on submitting a successful grant application. Taking advantage of available funding can make the process more manageable and significantly reduce costs for residents.

Going It Alone: Improving Insulation

If you’re struggling to get your OMC on board, you may have to explore individual upgrades within your own apartment. While you won’t be able to improve external insulation or windows, you still have control over interior modifications that can help retain heat and reduce energy costs.

One option is to upgrade your internal insulation by increasing the depth of your plasterboard. This can improve heat retention but comes with trade-offs, such as a lower ceiling height and a slightly reduced floor area. Before proceeding, consider whether these changes will affect the layout of your living space or make existing furniture difficult to fit.

Upgrade Your Heating System With An Exhaust Air Heat Pump

Many apartment owners are reducing their energy bills by installing an exhaust air heat pump system. These systems extract heat from stale air in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms and use it to provide heating and hot water. The extracted air is then vented outside, improving air quality while efficiently recycling heat.

One of the biggest advantages of an exhaust air heat pump is that it does not require an external unit, making it ideal for apartment blocks where OMCs may not allow modifications to the building’s exterior.

How Much Will It Cost Me?

The cost of retrofitting an apartment to achieve a higher Building Energy Rating (BER) varies depending on the type of upgrades required. According to the SEAI’s National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, the median cost of retrofit works for an apartment is €26,055. However, with available government grants, this can be reduced to a median out-of-pocket cost of €18,213.

Grants Available For Apartment Energy Upgrades

The SEAI offers grants to help apartment owners improve insulation, install heat pumps, and enhance energy efficiency. Below are some of the grants available:

Grant Name	Details	Value (€)
Exhaust Air to Water Heat Pump	Grant for installation in apartments	4,500
Attic Insulation	Only available for top-floor apartments	800
Cavity Wall Insulation	Cavity walls are injected from the outside with insulation	700
Internal Wall Insulation (Dry Lining)	Insulation boards are fixed to the inside of external walls	1,500
External Wall Insulation (The Wrap)	Insulating materials are fixed to the outer surface of external walls	3,000

Final Thoughts

Whether you work with your OMC or decide to go it alone, improving your apartment’s energy efficiency is a valuable investment. The key is to plan carefully, explore available grants, and ensure that any upgrades comply with certified energy standards.

Finally, once the work is complete, speak to your insurer—you may need to update your home insurance policy to reflect the increased value of your apartment and ensure your new upgrades are covered.