Daikin UK’s latest Installer Confidence Monitor, which surveys members of its Sustainable Home Network, has found that nearly two-thirds, 65%, see the government’s commitment to net zero and launch of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme as an opportunity for business growth.
A quarter, 25%, believed that up to half of their business will come from installing heat pumps and hybrid heat pumps in the next five years.
But nine out of ten agreed that more must be done to make heat pumps affordable and accessible. More than two-thirds agreed that the government should support hybrid heat pumps as an important transitional technology for homeowners.
Iain Bevan, commercial manager, heating and renewables at Daikin UK, said: “It’s encouraging that Sustainable Home Network installers are seeing the road to net zero as an opportunity, and are confident about the future of their businesses.
“Training is high on the agenda for many, who plan to invest time and money in installation training for both heat pumps, 85% and hybrid heat pumps, 51%, over the next 12 months.
“Hybrid systems can play a big role in advancing mass market take-up of renewable heating technologies. We believe that including hybrids in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme would help it to reach its full potential.”
Daikin UK’s research found that more than half of its Sustainable Home Network members would be very likely to recommend a career as a heating installer to friends and family.
Iain added: “We run this survey regularly, to understand the opportunities and challenges facing the installers we work with, and to ensure we’re on hand with the right products, training and business support to help them succeed.
“Educating homeowners is an important part of what we do – whether that’s through the housebuilders, social housing providers and energy suppliers we supply with heat pumps, or through our Sustainable Home Centres.
“Becoming a Daikin Sustainable Home Centre is the top tier of Sustainable Home Network membership, whereby we partner with plumbing and heating businesses to create a local heat pump showroom and installer training centre – so we can lead the movement towards a low carbon future together.”