Are you a homeowner in Tallaght, Dublin, or the surrounding areas of Wicklow, Meath, or Kildare struggling with constantly rising energy costs and a home that never seems to stay warm?
This case study demonstrates the dramatic, life-changing impact of a holistic energy retrofit. We show how a typical semi-detached home in Tallaght, Dublin 24, went from being a drafty, expensive-to-heat property to a comfortable, cost-efficient, and sustainable living space by combining Dry Lining (Internal Wall Insulation) and a Heating Upgrade—all while accessing significant SEAI Grants.
The Challenge: A Cold, Costly Semi-D in Tallaght
The homeowner, Mr. Murphy, lived in a standard 1970s semi-detached house. Like many homes of that era, it was built with non-insulated cavity walls and relied on an older, inefficient gas boiler.
Problem 1: Heat Loss: Significant heat was escaping through the walls, making the ground floor cold and forcing the heating system to run almost constantly.
Problem 2: High Bills: The outdated boiler was consuming excessive gas, leading to an average annual heating bill of over €2,500.
Problem 3: BER Rating: The home held a poor BER rating of E2.
The Luca Line Services Solution: A Holistic Approach
After a comprehensive BER Assessment and consultation, the Luca Line Services team recommended a two-pronged approach to tackle the primary sources of energy waste: the walls and the heating system.
Phase 1: Dry Lining (Internal Wall Insulation)
Dry lining was chosen as the most suitable method for this property, as it minimises disruption to the external appearance and is often preferred for semi-detached homes where access or planning is a concern.
Action: We installed high-performance Dry Lining panels (typically insulated plasterboard) on all external-facing walls.
Impact: This measure immediately created an effective thermal barrier, dramatically reducing the heat transfer through the walls—a critical factor in older Irish homes.
Phase 2: Heating System Upgrade (New Boiler & Controls)
The old boiler was replaced with a new, high-efficiency condensing gas boiler paired with modern smart heating controls.
Action: Installation of a new A-rated boiler and zoning the heating system (allowing the family to heat only the living areas or bedrooms as needed).
Impact: The new system is far more efficient in its fuel use and allows for precise temperature control, meaning less wasted energy.
The Results: 50% Savings and a New BER Rating
The results of the project speak for themselves. The combination of measures transformed the home’s performance:
Key Takeaways for Homeowners
This Tallaght case study proves that significant energy and cost savings are achievable, especially in common semi-detached house types.
SEAI Grants are Crucial: Mr. Murphy used various SEAI grants (managed completely by Luca Line Services) to offset the cost of the insulation and heating upgrades, making the project highly affordable.
Focus on the Walls: For older homes, insulating the walls (Dry Lining or External Wall Insulation) is often the most important step after insulating the attic.
Choose a Certified Partner: Luca Line Services is SEAI, NSAI registered, and ISO certified. Choosing a certified partner ensures the work is done to the highest standard, securing the long-term efficiency and validity of your grants.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
Whether you are in Tallaght, Lucan, Bray, Naas, or Navan, Luca Line Services is your trusted partner for holistic, SEAI-approved energy upgrades. Don’t let another winter pass with high bills and poor comfort.
Contact us today for your professional BER Assessment and a free consultation on how we can cut your energy bills by 50% or more!
Book a consultation