A new heat pump showroom and training centre has been opened by Daikin, in Devon.
It is the company’s fifth Sustainable Home Centre of 2024, launched by Bradfords, a family-run, independent builder’s merchant on Station Approach, Honiton.
The Sustainable Home Centre was officially opened by local MP for Honiton and Tiverton, Richard Foord.
Trading director P&H at Bradfords, Luke Smith, said: “Opening this new Sustainable Home Centre was a fantastic milestone for our business and the local community. It will become a place for homeowners, developers, and installers to familiarise themselves with air-source heat pump technology and to speak to an expert to discuss the most suitable heating and cooling solutions.
“This is our first renewable showroom that will support our focus to move away from fossil fuels to a more sustainable heating solution for all our customers. We’re also excited to be able to offer quality installer training on the latest Daikin air source technology. It was great to have our local MP, Richard Foord, join us to celebrate this next step in our journey to help our community become more sustainable.
“With our local expert advice in all areas of plumbing and heating, and Daikin’s market-leading product range, there will be something for everyone, both now and in the future.”
Commercial manager heating and renewables at Daikin UK, Iain Bevan, added: “Heat pumps offer huge potential to reduce energy usage and bills in the home. Over a 15-year lifespan, switching from a fossil fuel to an air source heat pump can save homeowners more than £3,000 when compared to a gas boiler, more than £6,000 compared with oil and more than £9,000 compared to LPG.
“Our research has uncovered that 68% of homeowners are not aware that heat pumps are significantly more energy efficient than gas boilers. Gas boilers operate at 70-90% compared to 300-400% for heat pumps. It’s clear there’s work to do to educate homeowners on heat pump technology, and Sustainable Home Centres like Honiton are the perfect place to do it.
“With extensive funding available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which has been raised to £7,500, now is a fantastic time for homeowners to make green energy efficiency improvements.”