05 September 2024
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John Felgate, Technical Director at STIEBEL ELTRON UK, discusses the benefits of a one-stop shop and asserts that organisations adopting this approach will truly drive the future of the renewable heating industry.
Consumers are increasingly turning towards renewable heating solutions as they look to do their part in rising to the most urgent and pressing environmental challenges. As a result, this has led many to seek out sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based systems, particularly when it comes to heating their home.
Advancements in technology have made this possible, with sustainable heating solutions, such as heat pumps, representing a viable substitute for gas boilers, offering a more efficient experience that can result in long-term energy cost savings and dramatically decarbonising a dwelling.
But traditionally, renewable heating systems have been sold separately, which can present challenges for both consumers and installers. Requiring various skills and multiple technicians for installation and maintenance, consumers are often faced with coordinating between different service providers for components such as heat pumps, ventilation systems, and underfloor heating, which in some cases can prolong installation times and may elevate the risk of compatibility issues.
However, with consumers increasingly looking to implement renewable technologies, a transformative shift across the industry in the way it delivers its heating products is occurring. The demands of consumers and the operational preferences of installers are now converging towards a unified, streamlined solution: the one-stop shop for renewable heating products and services. This evolution is not just a trend but a necessary adaptation to meet the growing expectations for convenience, efficiency, and sustainability.
Today’s consumers are becoming increasingly well-informed and they seek comprehensive solutions that simplify the complexities of renewable energy systems. The desire for a one-stop shop, where all necessary components for heating, ventilation, and cooling are available in a single package, is increasing exponentially.
An holistic approach
By offering a holistic approach, organisations in the sector can not only reduce the logistical challenges associated with multiple tradespeople, but also ensure seamless integration of technologies. Those in the industry will benefit from this shift too, being able to offer a complete suite of products and services which will enhance their efficiency and allow them to focus on delivering quality installations.
Products
By bringing products to the market which incorporate everything, companies can minimise the coordination issues between different service providers, reduce installation times, and ultimately, bring about greater customer satisfaction. A product which incorporates all elements of a heating system, which streamlines the process, and makes sustainable
solutions more accessible and attractive to consumers, is quite simply the future of the renewable heating sector.
The easier businesses make the transition to renewable heating, the more seamless it will be for people to adopt it. This is something STIEBEL ELTRON has embraced with its LWZ 8 CS Premium system, which brings an innovative, integrated approach to the market. Combining several critical functions into a single, compact unit, the appliance offers ventilation, heating, hot water, and cooling functions. It features advanced inverter technology for improved efficiency and quieter operation too, as well as holding the ability to be combined with a solar system.
But an all-encompassing product is only one part of the one-stop shop equation. Take heat pumps for example. Currently, there are only about 3,000 well-trained engineers capable of carrying out heat pump installations across the UK. To meet the government’s target, this number needs to increase to approximately 27,000. Simply put, the UK needs more heat pump installers.
Training
Crucially though, the UK is not short of skilled heating engineers. There are around 120,000 gas boiler installers, many of whom possess the fundamental skills required for heat pump installation. While many of these do not have training or the recognised expertise in installing heat pumps specifically, their knowledge of heating systems and building units means they are well placed with the capacity to quickly adapt to the information required for installing heat pumps.
To truly drive the adoption of renewable energy solutions among consumers, comprehensive support for installers is crucial. Industry leading organisations should commit to offering extensive planning and commissioning services, ensuring that each installation is executed with precision and expertise which are second to none.
Organisations should develop training programmes which are designed to equip those in the industry of all levels with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively deploy these systems. Meanwhile, the creation of post-training packages ensures qualified installers are supported in delivering an experience that works for consumers. This ongoing assistance helps trainees tackle any challenges they may face, ensuring they are well-prepared for the field.
Giving trainees valuable hands-on experience with the latest industry technology, training should offer a broad range of ground and air source heat pumps which vary in size and shape, and are used in different situations and projects, such as in commercial settings, houses, or flats. As a result, installers will be armed with a rich knowledge which can be applied to a range of varying projects.
Training programmes should go beyond technical skills. It should cover legislation, market drivers, and opportunities within the low carbon economy, ensuring that installers are well-versed in all aspects of the industry. Trainees should also receive updates on the latest product developments, new sizing calculators, marketing programmes, and extended warranty options.
Organisations who invest in new training facilities and a finely-honed training program will lead the charge when it comes to inspiring the next generation of installers. In doing so, they will not only ensure an influx of well-trained, qualified installers onto the market, they will provide the installation of heat pumps as a viable career path for those who are new to the industry, and also for those who work with traditional gas boilers. It is something we have placed an onus on at STIEBEL ELTRON as we look to drive the adoption of heat pumps across the UK.
Moving forward
The industry’s shift towards one-stop shop solutions in the renewable heating industry is more than a market response; it is a step towards a sustainable future. By making renewable heating solutions more accessible and easier to install, we are paving the way for greater adoption among consumers, which in turn leads us to a cleaner, greener future.
By investing in these technologies, and by embracing cutting-edge advancements, the industry can take a proactive approach which supports environmental goals, but also ensures that companies remain at the forefront of a market increasingly driven by eco-conscious customers.
It is those organisations who adopt the one-stop shop approach, looking at how to best serve consumers, who will truly drive the future of the renewable heating industry. It can ensure these sustainable solutions become the standard for households and businesses alike, and drive society closer to its environmental goals.
