INDUSTRY NEWS
SURVEY REVEALS THE MAIN CHALLENGES HEAT PUMP INSTALLERS FACED IN 2024
A
survey of heat pump installers has identifi ed the main pain points surrounding the industry, focusing on customer
misconceptions and issues with system design and specifi cation. Conducted by Heatly, the survey revealed there is
still a fi rmly held view that heat pumps only work in newbuilds – 72% of respondents stated this was the most common customer barrier. When it comes to installation issues, over-sizing was the lead complaint, with over 50% of recipients reporting this as the biggest problem with heat pump specifi cation. Other barriers to take-up included consumers
fearing heat pumps are too expensive to run at nearly 65% and a pervasive ideology that heat pumps don’t work in cold weather – more than 60% of respondents said they felt this was the greatest customer concern, despite widespread adoption in much colder parts of Europe. Noise concerns also featured highly, at just under 50%, something that can be countered by recent reports, such as NESTA’s, which proves modern heat pumps are no noisier than other household appliances, such as fridges (and gas boilers!) Consumer misconceptions can be allayed by facts, case studies and increasing evidence that
well installed heat pumps can work in (almost) any home. The survey showed, however, that some engineers still feel there are sticking points at the system design stage that need addressing. Apart from oversizing, which can lead to
ineffi ciencies and higher installation costs, 35% of installers in the survey felt that heat loss calculations sometimes failed to match real-world performance – over 20% stated that this happened often.
Issues with system design are being addressed
by the latest digital tools, which standardise these processes and make them easier and more
accurate for installers. Heatly is part of this trend, a new app due for launch next year that will streamline and speed up heat pump specifi cation. Training and experience are also key to improved heat pump outcomes. Anecdotally, respondents noted that while installers may have the right qualifi cations, practical skills and design expertise are often lacking. The sector as a whole needs to do more to support installers in their transition from trained to competent heat pump engineer. Relationships with manufacturers, for example, can provide installers with access to free product training and additional technical support. Paul Spence, technical manager for Heatly, said:
“The survey provides an interesting snapshot of installer’s views as we come to the end of what has been the most successful year for heat pumps to date. It’s great that the installation fi gures are on the up, but they still fall well short of where they need to be. Our fi ndings show that consumer misconceptions still blight adoption, while highlighting areas where installers require further support, particularly at the design and specifi cation stage. “2025 looks to be the year where technology
saves the day, and it is only a matter of time until the concerns highlighted in this survey become a thing of the past.”
GROUPE ATLANTIC’S DARREN FINLEY APPOINTED CHAIR OF ICOM
D
arren Finley, managing director for commercial products at Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI Division, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) - a not- for-profit trade association, representing and promoting the interests of the non-domestic heating sector since 1933. Commenting on the appointment, Darren said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of ICOM. This long-standing trade association has contributed to the success of the commercial heating industry time and time again and, as its latest Chair, I intend to continue the excellent work it has done. Now, more than ever, we need to come together as an industry and drive decarbonisation forward and ensure we present with one united voice to protect and promote
our industry.” ICOM works closely with governments,
professional bodies and associations at national and European level, generating tangible benefits for members, as well as being instrumental in the development of product and installation standards. It has an active and representative membership operating within one or more product-related groups. Each group holds quarterly meetings, participating in commercial and technical discussions as well as valuable networking. When specific issues arise, working groups are formed to produce suitable documents which are presented to the relevant Government department or standards body. “Darren is a well-known, highly regarded
figure in the commercial heating industry,” states Steve McConnell, Director of ICOM, “and we are
delighted to welcome him as Chair of ICOM. Darren’s knowledge of this sector, along with his organisation skills and forward thinking attitude, will help ensure ICOM members are well represented at some of the most senior levels.”
6 January 2025
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