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Behind The Walls

Behind The Walls

Written by: Peter Finn and Fergal Cantwell
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 Expert guests from the Construction Industry explaining how to Retrofit your home in an easy to understand way.© 2026 Peter Finn and Fergal Cantwell Economics
Episodes
  • Behind The Walls | #13 with Caitriona O'Connor

    Behind The Walls | #13 with Caitriona O'Connor
    Apr 7 2026
    In this episode of Behind the Walls, hosts Pete and Ferg are joined by Caitriona O'Connor, Show Director of the PTSB Ideal Home Show. With over 30 years of history behind the event, Caitriona shares insights into how Irish homeowners’ priorities have evolved—from basic upgrades to full-scale energy-efficient retrofits.The conversation dives into everything from the rise of heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation (“fabric first”) to common (and costly) mistakes homeowners make when upgrading their homes. They also explore current trends like outdoor living spaces, modular homes, smart technology, and the growing importance of BER ratings.If you're planning a renovation, considering a retrofit, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical advice, expert insights, and tips on how to make the most of the Ideal Home Show.00:00 – Intro & Guest WelcomeIntroduction to the episode and guest Caitriona O'Connor, Show Director of the Ideal Home Show.00:30 – History of the Ideal Home ShowOverview of the show’s 30+ year legacy and Katrina’s 18 years managing it.01:06 – How Home Trends Have ChangedShift in homeowner priorities—from aesthetics to energy efficiency and retrofits.01:42 – Post-Covid Home UpgradesRise in demand for insulation, attic conversions, and energy-saving improvements.02:21 – Variety of Exhibitors & What to ExpectBreakdown of the wide range of construction and home improvement sectors at the show.03:09 – What’s Trending Right NowOutdoor living, saunas, garden rooms, and wellness-focused home features.03:33 – Expert Talks & SpeakersOverview of expert panels, including retrofit specialists, architects, and engineers.04:50 – “Fabric First” ExplainedWhy insulation and airtightness should come before heating systems or solar.05:37 – Why Face-to-Face Advice MattersImportance of asking questions and getting expert guidance in person.06:41 – Who Should Attend the Show?Why the event suits everyone—from casual shoppers to serious renovators.07:06 – What’s at the Show (Theatres & Features)Home Advice Theatre, Interiors Theatre, Chef’s Stage, and “Ask an Expert” hub.08:20 – Simplifying Complex TopicsBreaking down industry jargon and avoiding confusion for homeowners.09:28 – Costly Mistakes to AvoidReal-life example of poor planning leading to wasted money on solar panels.10:12 – The “Cherry on Top” ConceptWhy solar PV should come after proper insulation and energy upgrades.11:39 – Importance of Trusted AdviceAvoiding misinformation and relying on qualified experts.12:15 – Key Speakers & TopicsFeaturing architects, lenders, retrofit experts, and grant advisors.13:22 – Event Layout & What to ExpectBreakdown of exhibition areas and where to find advice and talks.14:32 – Why the Show Appeals to EveryoneBlending construction, interiors, and lifestyle elements.15:05 – Planning Your VisitHow to approach the show strategically for maximum benefit.16:17 – Bringing Plans & Doing ResearchWhy preparation helps you get the most from expert advice.17:12 – Time Needed at the ShowVisitors typically spend 4–5 hours exploring.17:36 – Why People Are Renovating Instead of MovingHousing crisis impact and rise in home upgrades.18:19 – Energy Costs & Future-Proofing HomesWhy energy efficiency is becoming a top priority.19:16 – Grants & Financial IncentivesImportance of using available grants and funding options.20:04 – BER Ratings & Property ValueHow energy ratings now influence buying decisions.21:03 – Decision-Making for HomeownersBalancing cost, comfort, and long-term investment.21:57 – Smart Homes & Technology TrendsGrowth in automation, security, and energy management systems.22:55 – Outdoor Living BoomGarden rooms, outdoor kitchens, and wellness spaces.24:40 – Insulation & Ventilation ImportanceAvoiding common issues like condensation and damp.27:16 – Ventilation Deep DiveWhy it’s often overlooked but critical for healthy homes.28:55 – Current Top Trends RecapEnergy upgrades, kitchens, bathrooms, and smart homes.30:05 – Lessons from Covid LivingHow lockdown changed how we use and value our homes.31:14 – Decluttering & Maximizing SpaceImportance of efficient layouts and storage solutions.32:16 – Minimalism & Wellness in DesignShift toward simpler, calmer home environments.33:18 – Final Advice for VisitorsAsk questions, attend talks, and engage with experts.34:05 – Preparing for the ShowBring plans, photos, and documents for better advice.35:49 – Event Details & ScheduleDates, times, and tips for attending.38:30 – Best Time to Visit & Planning ToolsUsing the website and product finder to plan your day.39:05 – Building Relationships with ExpertsWhy meeting professionals in person matters.41:23 – Tickets & Final InfoHow to register, get tickets, and plan your visit.42:01 – OutroFinal thoughts and reminder to check out previous episodes.
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    43 mins
  • Behind The Walls | #12 with April McHale

    Behind The Walls | #12 with April McHale
    Feb 20 2026
    DescriptionFollowing on from their viral episode on the new SEAI grant uplifts, Pete and Retrofit Ferg go deep on the grant that got the biggest boost — the heat pump grant, now worth up to €12,500. To do it justice, they brought in the right person: April McHale of Mitsubishi Electric, with over 25 years of experience in the heating industry.This episode is a masterclass in everything heat pumps. April and the lads cover how heat pumps actually work, why fabric-first is the right approach (for any heating system), and what the installation process really looks like from start to finish. They bust the most common myths — noise, running costs, power cuts — and give homeowners a clear, step-by-step roadmap for applying for the grant, getting a technical assessment, and getting the work done correctly.There's also a real-life cautionary tale about €18,000 worth of grants lost due to bad advice, a discussion of the new high-temperature heat pump pilot using R290 refrigerant, and an honest, first-hand account of a heat pump installed in a stone cottage from the 1800s that proves the technology works in even the most unlikely homes. If you're thinking about a heat pump — or know someone whose boiler is on its last legs — this is required listening.Timecodes00:00 – Welcome & Introduction Pete and Ferg introduce the episode as a follow-up to their viral SEAI grants episode. This one goes deep on heat pumps, with special guest April McHale of Mitsubishi Electric.01:10 – Meet April McHale April's background — 25+ years in the heating industry, starting with underfloor heating in 1999, moving through geothermal and air-to-water heat pumps, solar, and retrofit. Now with Mitsubishi Electric.03:04 – New Builds vs Retrofit: Why Heat Pumps Work So Well New builds are built to airtight standards and are a natural fit for heat pumps. The challenge — and the big opportunity — is retrofitting heat pumps into existing homes.04:49 – Fabric First: Why Your Home Needs to Be Ready You can install a heat pump in any home, but the better insulated it is, the lower the running temperature and the greater the efficiency. Attic insulation, wall insulation, good windows — these all matter regardless of what heating system you're using.06:13 – The Triple Win of Heat Pumps One unit of electricity generates 3–4 units of heat. Zero combustion, no fumes, better air quality. Lower running costs, dramatically better comfort levels, and better for the environment. Pete's "triple win" explained.07:35 – Addressing the Negativity Around Heat Pumps Why do heat pumps get such a bad press? April explains the reason: they're always pushed to run at low temperatures for efficiency, and when they're not designed or installed properly, problems follow. The solution: use SEAI-registered contractors.07:52 – The New Heat Pump Grant: €12,500 Explained Breakdown of the new grant: €6,500 base + €4,000 renewable heat bonus + €2,000 for central heating upgrades (radiators or underfloor heating). Now covers 60–65% of overall costs in most cases.09:17 – Heat Pump vs Oil Boiler: The Real Comparison Yes, a boiler swap costs less upfront. But you're locking in fossil fuels for another 15–20 years. Carbon taxes are going one way. The grants are there now — this is the time to make the switch.11:59 – What a Heat Pump Installation Actually Involves Outdoor unit, new cylinder, updated radiators if needed. A typical retrofit swap-out takes about two days. April walks through exactly what to expect and what gets disrupted.13:27 – Comfort Levels: The Thing No One Talks About Enough Lower flow temperatures, consistent background heat, no blast-and-freeze cycle. The difference in comfort when moving from oil/gas to a heat pump is something homeowners consistently rave about.16:36 – Air Quality & Health Benefits No combustion, no flue, no fumes. A heat pump means cleaner air inside your home. A benefit that's often overlooked.17:35 – Changing Your Habits with a Heat Pump Leaving oil and gas behind means leaving behind the Irish habit of rationing heat. With a heat pump, you set your temperature and leave it — consistent, low, ambient heat all the time. Don't turn it off when you go out.20:07 – Just Leave It Alone The single most important piece of advice for heat pump owners. Set it, leave it. No need to interfere. The system manages itself.22:19 – Servicing & Maintenance Heat pumps should be serviced every year — it's a condition of warranty in most cases. Not expensive, not complicated. Don't wait for something to go wrong.23:57 – Heat Pump Reliability April and Ferg's experience: no callbacks, no breakdowns. When sized and installed correctly, heat pumps just quietly and consistently do their job.25:05 – How to Apply for the Grant: Step by Step Go online to the SEAI portal, enter your MPRN, get instant approval. Then get your energy assessment, choose a registered installer, get the work done, ...
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Behind The Walls | #11 with Steven Farrell

    Behind The Walls | #11 with Steven Farrell
    Feb 6 2026

    In this episode of Behind the Walls, Roy, Ferg (aka The Retrofit Guy), and special guest Stephen from the SEAI break down the latest Irish home energy grant changes and what they actually mean for homeowners.

    With recent grant increases and new measures announced, the lads cut through the noise and misinformation to explain:

    • What grants have increased
    • Who is eligible (and who isn’t)
    • The truth about windows & doors grants
    • How to upgrade your home step by step, without wasting money
    • Why insulation still comes before shiny upgrades
    • How to create a long-term retrofit pathway that leads to heat pumps and lower bills

    This is a must-listen for homeowners, first-time buyers, and anyone thinking about energy upgrades in 2025 and beyond.

    Timecodes

    00:00 – Welcome & introduction
    00:45 – Grant increases announced: what’s changed and why it matters
    02:10 – Heat pump grants explained (€12.5k breakdown)
    03:45 – One Stop Shop vs individual grants
    04:28 – New high-temperature heat pump pilot (boiler-style heat pumps)
    06:45 – Who high-temp heat pumps are best suited for
    07:38 – Attic & cavity wall insulation grant increases
    09:10 – How to apply for individual grants (step-by-step)
    10:12 – Why insulation is still the best first upgrade
    12:00 – Comfort vs cost: why insulation changes everything
    14:50 – Registered contractors vs “cheap jobs” explained
    18:25 – Windows & doors grants: what everyone is asking
    19:03 – Windows & doors now available as standalone grants
    20:16 – Eligibility rules: attic & walls must be “good” or “very good”
    21:13 – BER advisory reports explained simply
    22:00 – Why windows aren’t a free-for-all
    24:17 – Why a home energy assessment is essential
    26:04 – Creating a realistic retrofit pathway over time
    27:27 – First-time buyer enhanced insulation grants
    28:23 – Why One Stop Shops still matter
    29:16 – Airtightness, ventilation & hidden upgrades
    30:06 – Project management realities homeowners underestimate
    32:24 – Breaking down the windows & doors pathway clearly
    34:08 – External wall insulation vs internal dry lining
    36:35 – Easy wins: attic + cavity wall first
    38:12 – Heat pumps myths vs reality
    39:36 – Why solar PV should be the “cherry on top”
    41:34 – Can you get a second wall insulation grant?
    43:03 – Extra supports for energy-poor households
    44:00 – Final thoughts: spending money in the right order
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    1 hr and 9 mins
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