10 March 2025
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From football player to heat pump pioneer Tom Smith, Managing Director and Co Owner at Greenwave Renewables SW, shares how passion, training, and determination helped him tackle a career-changing move into the heat pump industry.
Changing careers is never easy, but for Tom Smith, swapping the football pitch for the world of renewable heating was a challenge he tackled with the same determination he once showed chasing down opponents. His journey into the trade wasn’t exactly planned – after eight years as a professional footballer, an injury brought his playing days to an abrupt end, leaving him searching for a new direction. A chance catch-up with a childhood friend who worked in the trade and whose spotless white trainers hinted at a successful career, sparked an idea and set Tom on a new path, training as a plumber and eventually finding his passion in renewable heating. Now at the helm of Greenwave Renewables SW, Tom has carved out a successful career installing air source heat pumps and renewable heating solutions across the South West.
Tom’s journey
Tom’s early years in the heating industry saw him working on traditional gas and oil-fired systems. But even then, he was drawn to renewables. Tom said: “I’ve always been fascinated by how we can harness the earth’s energy to heat homes. I’ve been driving forward renewables for over 10 years now, even before I started my company. I think I’ve always known, especially in Cornwall, that renewables were going to be big.” Over the past decade, the demand for sustainable heating solutions has grown significantly. With rising energy costs, tighter building regulations and an increasing emphasis on decarbonisation, more homeowners are turning to heat pumps as a viable alternative to fossil fuelbased systems. Tom’s business has evolved to meet this demand, with air source heat pumps now accounting for approximately 70% of the projects he undertakes. He said: “Over the last 10 years, I’ve seen a massive shift. It was very much gas and oil at the start, with the occasional bit of renewables thrown in there, probably a solar thermal job or something like that,” he says. “But at this moment in time, we are probably doing between 60 and 70% renewables compared to gas and oil.”
The importance of being properly trained and compliant
One of Tom’s core beliefs is that ongoing training is essential in an industry that is constantly changing. “You must invest in yourself and invest in your company, not just financially but in the knowledge that you hold. It’s an evolving market so you can never sit on your laurels – you’ve always got to keep one step ahead of everyone else,” said Tom.
Tom credits manufacturers like Grant UK for their training and support, which has helped his team refine their expertise in air source heat pumps. “The knowledge that you have is vitally important for doing heat loss calculations for buildings, sizing properties correctly, all of that. “I’ve completed both the Grant Aerona³ and the new Aerona 290 heat pump training. The training sessions, held in Devizes and Swindon, covered everything from setup to using the smart controller in various scenarios. This hands-on experience has been invaluable for understanding how to get the best out of these products,” he says.
Educating customers and installing the correct solution
Tom is also passionate about educating customers. With many homeowners assuming they can just swap their gas boiler for a heat pump and carry on as normal, it is important that installers know their stuff and can explain how it is not that simple. Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures, so heat loss calculations, radiator sizing and proper system balancing become even more important. If these aren’t considered, homeowners won’t get the efficiency or the savings they are expecting. While the heat pump market is growing, Tom acknowledges that there are still barriers to widespread adoption. One of the biggest challenges is the upfront cost. Even with government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, heat pumps are still a big investment. But Tom is keen to encourage people to consider the idea that they are future-proofing their heating system and with energy prices still on the rise, switching to a heat pump can provide long-term savings. Another challenge is simplifying the idea of renewables and how they work, so clients can quickly become familiar with a new technology. To avoid the headache of repeated call backs, Tom and his company have put together a handover package which includes a data sheet – a bit like an FAQ on what to do if things go wrong. “It’s something that I find does help clients, because a lot of people aren’t used to using a heat pump and its controls and the bits and pieces that go with it,” he explains. “Otherwise, you end up having to go back and back and back again when customers say my heat pump is not working or I’ve got no hot water. It’s important to educate people.” While Tom is a strong advocate for heat pumps, he recognises that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. In some cases, hybrid systems, where a heat pump is combined with another heat source, such as a gas boiler, can be a good option. Not every home after all, is ready for a full heat pump installation. If a property has poor insulation or a particularly high heat demand, a hybrid system might be a more practical solution. For those considering a heat pump, Tom’s biggest piece of advice is to do their research and work with a trusted installer. He said: “There are companies out there that are pop ups, companies that are installing heat pumps that don’t understand how to how to use a heat pump, how to install them properly. But if it’s done correctly, if it’s sized correctly and it’s set up correctly, you’ve got a long future with heat pumps.” As a Grant G1 installer for example, Tom is able to offer a 7-year warranty for Grant’s heat pumps giving his clients complete peace of mind. As the renewable heating sector continues to grow, Tom is excited about what the future holds.
The future
“I think over the next 10 years there’s going to be a huge shift with many more renewable products being installed,” he says. “New installers and any younger generation installers need to take it on board and drive it forward because I think it’ll look after you in the long in the long run.” Tom’s passion for renewables, drive to learn, and commitment to quality have helped him carve out a successful business and put him at the forefront of an industry poised for growth. As the demand for sustainable heating solutions continues to rise, Tom’s journey is a reminder of the opportunities that come from embracing change. Whether it’s guiding homeowners, he is proving that with the right mindset, expertise, and manufacturer support, the renewable heating sector offers a world of potential.
www.grantuk.com
www.greenwaverenewables.co.uk
