Heat Pumps Providing the skills to meet future demand

The technology already exists to provide low carbon heating solutions for UK homes, but are there enough skilled installers to meet demand? Martin Passingham from Daikin argues that more HVAC companies should be looking to take advantage of the training support offered by manufacturers.

Currently, residential properties account for around 35% of all energy usage and approximately 20% of CO2 emissions in the UK. In order to achieve the ambitious goal of net zero by 2050, all homes in the UK must be transitioned to low-carbon heating. Under the new Approved Document L standards that came into force in June last year, CO2 emissions from new build homes must be 30% lower compared to 2013 standards. This will be increased further with the introduction of the Future Homes and Buildings Standard, which will require homes built from 2025 to have a carbon footprint that is at least 75% less than one built to 2013 requirements. However, it is not just new properties that must be addressed. In fact, 80% of the homes that we will all be living in by 2050 have already been built, which means that the overwhelming majority of the UK’s 27 million homes must be upgraded to low carbon heating solutions. Of all the emerging technologies, heat pumps will undoubtedly play a major part in these upgrades, generating between 3 and 4 kilowatts of energy per single kilowatt of electricity used. This means that heat pumps are as much as 400% more energy efficient when under optimum conditions than traditional gas boilers.

Skills shortage

Demand for heat pumps has grown and will continue to grow exponentially over the next few years, which generates another issue – the shortage of heat pump installers. Estimates from the Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN) show that there are currently less than 4000 heat pump installers in the UK, which is dwarfed by the 130,000 Gas Safe Registered engineers. While there is a clear shortage of heat pump installers, the huge number of Gas Safe engineers presents an incredible opportunity for heating installers to increase their business offerings by upskilling in heat pump installation.

Of course, there are some key differences between heat pump technology compared to traditional heating systems. However, it is relatively straightforward to apply the skills already attained by experienced heating engineers to gain the knowledge and qualifications required to install, commission and maintain heat pumps. While heat pumps

 Hands-on product training is available to installers at a number of Daikin facilities throughout the UK

 Installers are invited to take advantage of Daikin’s pre-sales and project support service contain refrigerant that must be managed carefully, monobloc air source heat pumps do not require F-gas certification to install as the refrigerant is sealed within the unit. This means only water pipe connections are required between the heat pump unit and the property’s heating system pipework.

Free training

For any heating professionals that want to take advantage of being one of the early entrants into the heat pump installation market, locating an appropriate training provider is the first step. As such, it is crucial that HVAC companies are making these training courses available to ensure the longevity of their business.

At Daikin, for example, we offer free product training sessions that provide an overview of how the heat pumps work, installation, set-up and system controls. There is then the option to complete further training sessions to gain more advanced knowledge. These courses are available through our nationwide network of training centres so installers can access the training at a location that is convenient to them, with as little disruption to their current business as possible.

Over the next three years, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will be providing funding which helps to reduce the cost of heat pump installations, and the scheme is open to all homeowners in England and Wales, with a grant of up to £5000 towards the cost. This means that there will be an increased demand for heat pump installers in the short term as well as the long term. However, in order to be eligible for the grant, the heat pump must be installed by an MCS-certified installer. There is also a scheme available in Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, that helps with the cost of installing heat pumps and energy efficiency systems. The grant funds up to £9000 for the improvements, and the remainder of the cost can be funded through an interestfree loan.

Industry support

The increased adoption of heat pump systems as the UK pushes towards net zero offers many opportunities for heating installers to grow their businesses. The training and support offered by manufacturers can help make the move into this new area easier and more profitable.

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