PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2026 Heat Pumps 21 Driving decarbonisation


A major provider of heating services to the social housing sector recently fitted its 1,000th Vaillant heat pump, setting an installation milestone in a sector striving to transform to a more energy-efficient and sustainable housing stock.


improve energy efficiency to EPC Band ‘C’ or above by 2030, many are turning to renewable heating technologies such as heat pumps. Sureserve, which partners with housing associations and councils nationwide, specifies and installs low-carbon heating solutions. It is utilising Vaillant’s technology, including the aroTHERM plus air source heat pump and sensoCOMFORT controls, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions. “As old gas boilers come to the


W


end of their working lives, heat pumps are a natural and proven alternative technology when upgrading the heating system in properties,” says Jon Posey, technical director at Sureserve


ith pressure on local authorities and social housing providers to


Compliance Central. “They are suitable for a wide variety of settings and we have retrofitted within flats as well as larger four- bedroom homes.” Tenants at one district council


are already seeing savings – some paying just £40 per month in winter, dropping to £10 in summer for hot water only. Sureserve places resident engagement at the heart of every project, ensuring tenants are supported and informed. Jon adds: “As we move to


technologies like heat pumps, it’s vital we support households through the change. Before we commence any project, we work with Vaillant to ensure a working model of the heat pump is brought to site. This means the residents can see and hear a heat pump in action – often for the first time. Our experts are available to answer any questions or concerns


from residents, and we work hard to alleviate any worries before we start. Education of this type is essential to gain acceptance and tackle any previously held views around issues such as heat pump noise and ease of use.”


Changing mindsets Customer brochures explain how the system works, how it is controlled, and what to expect during and after installation. Jon comments: “Changing mindsets around renewable technologies and promoting the benefits is important if we are to ensure the housing-related decarbonisation journey is successful. Following completion of the installation, we also visit each tenant to make sure they are happy with the new heating system and how to control it to suit their needs. For instance, with an air source heat pump, we explain that the system


is consistently running for best efficiency, whereas a boiler could tolerate the on/off usage many people are so used to.” The Vaillant package has


been central to reaching Sureserve’s 1,000-heat pump installation milestone. Jon notes: “From a quality-designed product through to aftersales and ongoing support, we feel confident about partnering with Vaillant… By using Vaillant, we know that we are specifying and installing a quality manufactured and well-designed solution, which


will perform to the highest standards.” The partnership has also


driven investment in workforce development, including a dedicated training room with Vaillant products. “It is vital that our workforce feels comfortable about the products we are asking them to install. Vaillant’s expert training support and facilities such as the training room, are great in ensuring they always feel up to date and can optimise the installation efficiencies we want to achieve,” Jon concludes. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/33


www.alpha-innovation.co.uk Be A decision you can trust.


For 60 years, Alpha has combined smarter, practical heating solutions with hands-on support – for installers who look beyond the obvious.


Find out more at alpha-innovation.co.uk


Scan the code to find out more about what Alpha offers to installers


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40