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WATER TREATMENT


Closing the skills gap for sustainable water heating


As the Government’s agenda looks to upscale renewable heating and hot water in new build housing, contractors are faced with the challenge of facilitating installation. Anthony Watton, head of residential specification at Baxi Heating, discusses how product training and support can upskill the heating sector to meet demand and sustainability


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n continued efforts to decarbonise and reach Net Zero by 2050, the Government has set out immediate targets that look to accelerate the


trajectory toward sustainability in the new build sector. As the Future Homes Standard 2025 seeks to decarbonise new build homes, increasing the installation of renewable heating systems – particularly air source heat pumps (ASHPs) – has become a key objective. Offering a low-carbon alternative for domestic


hot water and heating, ASHPs are considered an efficient solution in line with the Future Homes Standard. In light of realised potential, the Government has set a target of 600,000 heat pump


installations per year by 2028. Meeting all these aims will, of course, rely on contractors being competent and certified to install ASHPs.


The importance of upskilling


Installation of ASHPs requires specialist accredited Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) training. However, it’s a relatively new technology for water heating, and there are currently fewer than 1,000 MCS qualified businesses and only 30,000 ASHPs are installed per year across all sectors. These figures clearly highlight an insufficient number of qualified installers if a deployment target of 600,000 is to be reached by 2028. It is vital that installers are properly trained so that


they understand how important it is for the heating system, along with the ASHP and hot water cylinder, to be properly designed, taking into account ambient temperature conditions and potential fluctuations. Training courses, including those run by ASHP manufacturers, will give them a good understanding of the system requirements and space needed for the installation. There is a great opportunity for installers and contractors to upskill and take advantage of the upcoming increase in requirements for cost effective, energy efficient, good quality ASHP installations.


Guiding installation


If ASHP installation is to meet the growing demand, the onus is on manufacturers to provide adequate support and training for the domestic heating sector. With this in mind, Baxi offers ASHP installation and commissioning training, either virtually or in person


A BAXI Assure ASHP


at training centres across the UK. Our aim is to develop and build the skills and product knowledge required to carry out ASHP installations with confidence. When supplying ASHPs, the company provides a designated specification manager to offer technical support and advice at every stage of the project – from design and specification, to installation and commissioning, and beyond. Baxi Design works closely with client design teams


to ensure the right products are used for the right solutions. This ensures that all systems installed are fit for purpose, and the system requirements – ASHP output, radiators, and accessories – are clearly identified.


Meeting targets


It’s clear that progressing towards sustainability requires more than just the manufacture of renewable heating and hot water systems. Manufacturers also have a duty to provide their clients with training, technical support, and design assistance in addition to the products they have on offer, so that maximum energy efficiency and carbon savings are achieved, and the householder has the comfort they need at a price they can afford. We play our part in offering a range of services


to ensure contractors and installers receive comprehensive guidance when installing low-carbon technology in new build projects. With comprehensive training and technical support in place, domestic heating professionals will be equipped to meet decarbonisation aims, providing futureproof homes.


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