PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2025 4 News Review


Regional heat pump training disparities


Consumers confused about future of gas boilers


Over half of consumers have expressed confusion about the government’s gas boiler phase out plans, with 91% expecting installers to guide them More than half (53%) of UK


consumers say they find the government’s plan to phase out gas boilers confusing, with almost one in five (18%) unaware of the policies altogether, according to new research commissioned by Luthmore, the manufacturer of a zero-emission alternative to the gas combi.


The research suggests that


consumer knowledge of the sustainable heating market is very limited. Over half of respondents (51%) described their understanding of sustainable heating options as either non- existent (7%) or minimal (44%), with just 4% rating their knowledge as excellent. Awareness of heating alternatives


among consumers varied sharply across demographics. While over two thirds (67%) have heard of heat pumps, just 13% have heard of battery-powered boilers. Both homeowners and those on higher household incomes show a general trend of being better informed on modern heating alternatives than respondents in rented or social housing, or those with a lower household income. However, despite this lack of knowledge, there is a clear


openness to change from


consumers. Over half (57%) of all households surveyed stated they would be ‘open’ to switching to a low-carbon heating solution, rising to two-thirds (67%) among both younger age groups and those with mortgages. Central to the adoption of more


sustainable heating options is the crucial role installers play in the consumer buying decision. A clear nine in ten respondents stated that they expect their boiler installer to keep up to date with laws related to heating and housing, and explain how these will likely affect them. Installers also remain the first port- of-call for any issues related to their boiler (40%), significantly ahead of the internet (28%) and housing providers (24%). Will Jameson, commercial and corporate director at Luthmore, comments: “The heating sector is under pressure to decarbonise, but there’s been a gap between ambition and practical solutions. Installers don’t have time for extensive retraining or invasive new systems that are difficult to explain to customers.” Luthmore is rolling out free


half-day training sessions at its Chippenham HQ and is also developing an installer network that will benefit from lead generation, sales incentives and mobile demonstration units. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1025/01


More than half of plumbers and heating installers in the UK have already trained in fitting heat pumps, according to new research, but uneven regional uptake risks leaving parts of the country short of skilled workers. Across the UK, 58% of


professionals have already trained or upskilled in heat pumps, with a further 34% planning to do so within the next 12 months, according to findings in City Plumbing’s new ‘Taking the Temperature’ report. Only 8% say they have not been trained and do not plan to train in heat pumps. Exploring the research in more


detail, several regions are leading the way, with Wales (75%), the East Midlands (74%) and both the


North West and Scotland (72%) reporting the highest levels of trained installers.


Confidence in the heat pump market is growing, with installers citing expected customer demand (37%), the chance to gain a competitive advantage (34%) and personal interest in renewable technologies (38%) as key motivators for training. However, there


some barriers to upskilling in


renewables. Some respondents cited the cost (28%), lack of local offering (24%), difficulty in taking time off work (24%), not enough customer demand (24%) and too much competition (20%) as reasons against training in renewables. A fifth (20%) said they haven’t trained or plan to train as they will retire soon. Hemal Morjaria, MD for heating


& renewables at City Plumbing (pictured), says: “Our research shows clear progress on heat pump training, but some disparities between the regions. Although it’s positive to see so many upskilling, it’s important that we continue to support installers – especially sole traders and small businesses – with affordable and accessible training to future-proof the industry, which plays an essential part in the UK’s net zero ambitions. “Since 2023, City Plumbing has


remain


supported more than 650 installers through accredited training in heat pumps, with further training dates and incentives planned for 2025 and beyond as demand continues to rise.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1025/02


Trade bodies warn of ductwork standards


The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) have joined forces to warn that operatives often working for multi-trade firms are putting lives at risk by carrying out specialist work beyond their competence. They cite one recent project


where unqualified multi-trade contractors installed ductwork with serious safety flaws, creating health risks and fire hazards. Both trade bodies fear that, rather than being an isolated example, it may be ‘the tip of the iceberg’. Nathan Wood, BESA’s London & South East Regional Chair, says: “We are still seeing specifications being value engineered to the max and many construction trades being squeezed on price. The result is that non-competent multi- trade outfits are undercutting


professional ventilation installers and thermal insulation contractors.” The faulty installation cited featured poorly insulated ducting, which created condensation and mould growth. He adds: “Condensation can


quickly allow mould to germinate within 24 to 48 hours. This mould growth then produces spores which spread to other damp areas, multiplying the issues.” This is the kind of problem that the forthcoming Awaab’s Law is


designed to prevent, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died following prolonged exposure to mould in his Rochdale home. It will set strict deadlines for


landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould, but BESA argues that its impact depends upon the competence of those carrying out the work. Without properly trained and accredited contractors, the law risks becoming a box-ticking exercise rather than a safeguard for residents’ health. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1025/03


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