When homeowners apply for SEAI grant support to install a heat pump, a technical assessment of the property is required in most instances to ensure that dwelling is suitable for a heat pump.
This assessment is carried out by a Technical Advisor, whose role is to guide the homeowner on the suitability of the dwelling for a heat pump system, particularly from a heat loss perspective (the Heat Loss Indicator – HLI).
The Technical Advisor is required to outline the fabric improvements and air tightness options available to the homeowner to help them achieve the HLI requirement whilst outlining the pros and cons of each approach. The Technical Advisor decides with the homeowner on the best option to achieve the HLI requirement and details the works required.
The SEAI advises my officials that this requires a level of building physics and technical knowledge that is not covered in BER assessor training. Hence additional proof of competence is required. This can be demonstrated with a level 7 degree in a building related disciple (e.g., architecture, building services, engineering, etc) or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIBSE, EI, RAIA, etc).
