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Why mastering fault-fi nding sets today’s installers apart


A


s the UK transitions toward energy-effi cient and sustainable home heating solutions, the HVAC and plumbing sectors are experiencing


a shift in demand. Customers who once sought replacements are now increasingly looking for repairs, driven by both economic uncertainty and environmental concerns. In this evolving landscape, installers who cultivate fault-fi nding expertise can unlock new revenue streams, build lasting customer relationships and remain competitive as the market shifts toward sustainable, high-tech equipment like heat pumps.


Meeting market demand: why repair services are on the rise


In the UK HVAC sector, repair requests have surged post-pandemic. Customers increasingly prioritise economic and environmentally friendly options, seeking to extend the lifespan of their heating systems through repairs rather than opting for new installations . Government incentives and policies have also played a role, as initiatives like the £7,500 grant for heat pump installations aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels . However, as heat pump installation


Above: Vokera Pinnacle boiler


costs and integration complexities challenge both customers and installers, repairs on existing systems remain the preferred option for many. Amid these trends, a signifi cant skills gap is


emerging. Approximately 165,000 people work within the UK HVAC industry, yet the workforce has shrunk by 4% since 2004, mainly due to the retirement of older technicians and a limited infl ux of new talent . This gap underscores a critical need for installers


to develop specialised skills like fault-fi nding to support growing repair demand. For installers willing to invest in training, fault-fi nding fi lls this gap and presents a sustainable business model that meets evolving market needs.


Adding value with fault-fi nding skills


Above: Vokera Unica MAX Boiler 10 April 2025


For installers, fault-fi nding training represents more than just a way to broaden their service off erings. Vokera’s fault-fi nding training series emphasises systematic diagnosis, breaking down complex repairs into manageable steps. This systematic approach allows technicians to troubleshoot component issues effi ciently, regardless of the


brand or model. Fault-fi nding expertise enables installers to provide timely, eff ective repairs, boosting customer confi dence and brand loyalty. The training focuses on two main areas: core principles and component-specifi c techniques. In the fi rst part, installers learn diagnostic techniques - applicable across boiler brands - covering everything from electrical systems to component testing. The second part of the training provides a deeper dive into Vokera’s specifi c products, off ering insights into installation errors. By familiarising installers with such issues, we


can ensure that they’re equipped to diagnose faults quickly, translating this expertise into profi t by off ering on-the-spot solutions. Fault-fi nding skills are essential to remain competitive as the industry advances. For instance, recent projections show a compound annual growth rate of 4.73% for the UK heating equipment market through 2029, driven by a shift toward sustainable heating solutions like heat pumps As installers begin working with newer, more


complex systems, the ability to troubleshoot and repair becomes crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and standing out in a competitive market.


David Iszchak, technical trainer at Vokèra, part of Carrier Residential and Light Commercial EMEA, discusses how the fault-fi nding training series he runs off ers a clear path for installers to gain these essential skills, enabling them to respond to this demand more confi dently and profi tably


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