Let’s be honest—when it comes to utilities like heating or sewerage, most people would prefer to skip straight to the exciting stuff. But trust me, it’s way better to plan carefully once than constantly pay for costly repairs and deal with endless hassles down the line. In Ireland, with our constant rain, strong winds, and high humidity, any mistake with heating or drainage systems will quickly become painfully obvious.
In this guide, I’ll clearly explain which heating, water supply, and sewerage systems really work in Ireland, what you should choose, and what’s better avoided altogether.
1. Heating in Ireland: Staying Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Heating a house in Ireland is never cheap. But if you pick the right system and invest in good insulation, you’ll save loads in the long run. Let’s look at what really works here:
Your best options in Ireland:
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Gas Boilers:
Proven, reliable, and very common, especially near towns and cities. Just keep in mind that mains gas isn’t available everywhere, particularly in rural locations. -
Oil Boilers:
Still the go-to solution for most rural properties. Just remember, you’ll need space to store fuel and don’t forget to refill the tank before winter arrives. -
Electric Storage Heaters:
Easy to use, but electricity prices can sting. They make sense only if you have a decent night-rate electricity tariff. -
Heat Pumps (Air-to-Water or Geothermal):
Yes, they’re expensive upfront, but in Ireland’s climate, you’ll quickly see the savings pile up—especially if your home is new and well-insulated.
Things you really need to remember:
- Even the fanciest heating system won’t help if your home is poorly insulated.
- Don’t just buy the biggest boiler “just in case”—the right-sized boiler for your specific house is what you really need.
- Smart thermostats (like Nest or Hive) aren’t just a trendy gadget. They genuinely help cut bills and keep your home comfy.
2. Water Supply: Always Having Clean, Reliable Water
Yes, we’re surrounded by water here in Ireland, but that doesn’t guarantee its quality or reliability.
Your best bets:
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Connecting to Irish Water:
Easiest option, but make sure to fit filters since Irish tap water can be notoriously hard, causing limescale issues. -
Private Well:
If you’re far from public water lines, drilling your own well is common. However, do thorough water testing before you start using it, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Common mistakes you definitely want to avoid:
- Forgetting to test water for hardness or iron levels.
- Poorly sealing your well, which leads to contamination (think bacteria and run-off issues).
- Skipping backup pumps or water tanks. Trust me, storms in Ireland frequently cause power cuts, leaving you without water exactly when you need it most.
3. Sewerage and Drainage: Getting It Right From Day One
In Ireland, poor sewerage is a nightmare—think dampness, odours, and headaches you definitely don’t need. Better to do it right from the start.
Your best options:
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Public Sewerage Connection:
If you’re near town or city services, connect to Irish Water’s network. Ensure pipes and joints are high-quality and sealed properly. -
Septic Tanks or Mini-Treatment Plants:
Septic tanks are cheaper upfront but require regular pumping. Mini-treatment plants cost more initially but are lower-maintenance in the long run.
Crucial things to consider:
- With Ireland’s humidity and constant rainfall, proper sewer ventilation is a must—or you’ll soon know why (smells!).
- Correct pipe gradients are essential—too steep or too shallow, and you’re going to have constant blockages.
How to Connect Everything Properly?
Do yourself a favour and don’t try to cut corners on professional design or installation. It always ends up costing more in repairs and headaches. Hire a specialist who’s already built or fitted out dozens of houses in Ireland—they’ll know exactly what works and what doesn’t.
Bottom Line
Having good-quality utilities isn’t just about comfort. It guarantees you won’t constantly pay for unexpected repairs or inflated energy bills. Ireland’s climate doesn’t forgive mistakes easily, so don’t skip the planning.
If you’ve still got questions—just drop me a line. I’m always happy to help you set up your home efficiently and hassle-free in Ireland.