A new television series on RTÉ One highlights energy-efficient home upgrades across Ireland, with the fourth episode showcasing a Tipperary couple who transformed their bungalow in just two days. Michael and Emma Morrissey from Lisronagh near Clonmel improved their home's energy rating from D1 to A2 through targeted retrofitting measures. The episode airs on Tuesday, November 25, at 8:30pm.
Series Overview
'Heat My Home' is a brand new TV series that explores retrofitting older Irish homes to enhance energy efficiency. Hosted by building engineer Kieran McCarthy, the show travels across Ireland to examine various upgrades, explaining options like heat pumps and HVAC systems in accessible terms while detailing costs and benefits for homeowners.
Episode Highlights
In the fourth episode, McCarthy visits Michael and Emma Morrissey's dormer bungalow in Lisronagh, near Clonmel. The couple, who had previously insulated their attic and cavity walls two years ago, sought further improvements to eliminate drafts and cold spots. Their retrofit, completed in an impressively short two days, included replacing windows and doors, adding ventilation, installing an air-to-water heat pump, new radiators, and solar panels.
Kieran McCarthy commented, “Some retrofits can be completed remarkably quickly depending on the measures taken. It’s about understanding what’s achievable and making smart, tailored choices that suit your home and your budget. Those decisions can transform the comfort, efficiency and long-term running costs of any property.” He noted that the Morrissey home, once difficult to heat, now holds an A2 energy rating.
Emma Morrissey shared her satisfaction: “We replaced the windows and doors, added ventilation, installed an air-to-water pump, new radiators and solar panels. Now that the temperatures have dropped, we can really feel the impact. The house is so cosy, no draughts, no cold spots, just a steady, comfortable warmth throughout. It’s not just the comfort either, we already feel more in control of our energy use. It’s been a huge upgrade for us and we’re absolutely delighted with the results.”
Production and Background
Produced by Cork-based Cameo Productions, the series continues on RTÉ One. McCarthy, a civil engineering graduate from University College Cork in 1996, has extensive experience in the building industry, including work with major companies in Ireland and the UK. He founded KMC Homes in 2004 and previously co-presented RTÉ's 'Cheap Irish Homes.'
This episode underscores practical approaches to sustainable home improvements amid rising energy concerns in Ireland.