14 April 2025
|
For today’s installers, fault-finding skills are essential not only to meet current customer needs but also to prepare for the future. David Iszchak, Technical Trainer at Vokèra, part of Carrier Residential and Light Commercial EMEA, discusses how the fault-finding training series he runs offers a clear path for installers to gain essential skills.
As the UK transitions toward energy efficient and sustainable home heating solutions, the HVAC and plumbing sectors are experiencing a shift in demand. Customers who once sought replacements are now increasingly looking for repairs, driven by both economic uncertainty and environmental concerns. In this evolving landscape, installers who cultivate fault-finding expertise can unlock new revenue streams, build lasting customer relationships and remain competitive as the market shifts toward sustainable, high-tech equipment like heat pumps.
Meeting market demand: why repair services are on the rise
In the UK HVAC sector, repair requests have surged post-pandemic1. Customers increasingly prioritise economic and environmentally friendly options, seeking to extend the lifespan of their heating systems through repairs rather than opting for new installations. Government incentives and policies have also played a role2, as initiatives like the £7,500 grant for heat pump installations aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, as heat pump installation costs and integration complexities challenge both customers and installers, repairs on existing systems remain the preferred option for many. Amid these trends, a significant skills gap is emerging. Approximately 165,000 people work within the UK HVAC industry, yet the workforce has shrunk by 4% since 20043, mainly due to the retirement of older technicians and a limited influx of new talent. This gap underscores a critical need for installers to develop specialised skills like fault-finding to support growing repair demand. For installers willing to invest in training, fault-finding fills this gap and presents a sustainable business model that meets evolving market needs.
Adding value with fault-finding skills
For installers, fault-finding training represents more than just a way to broaden their service offerings. The training focuses on two main areas: core principles and component-specific techniques. In the first part, installers learn diagnostic techniques - applicable across boiler brands - covering everything from electrical systems to component testing. The second part of the training provides a deeper dive into specific products, offering insights into installation errors. By familiarising installers with such issues, we can ensure that they’re equipped to diagnose faults quickly, translating this expertise into profit by offering on-the-spot solutions. Fault-finding skills are essential to remain competitive as the industry advances. For instance, recent projections show a compound annual growth rate of 4.73% for the UK heating equipment market through 2029, driven by a shift toward sustainable heating solutions like heat pumps As installers begin working with newer, more complex systems, the ability to troubleshoot and repair becomes crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and standing out in a competitive market.
Building a future-proof business model
In a landscape marked by evolving technologies and shifting market demands, installers who embrace fault-finding training can adapt more readily. Fault-finding skills can apply broadly across different brands and models, future-proofing installers’ businesses against industry volatility.
Embracing fault-finding as a competitive advantage
The HVAC and plumbing markets in the UK are poised for significant growth, with sustainability initiatives and consumer preferences reshaping the industry. For today’s installers, fault-finding training represents a unique opportunity to add value to their business, meet the evolving demands of their clients. By embracing these advancements and investing in training, installers can not only enhance their skills but also drive their businesses forward in an increasingly competitive market.
Source
1. www.ibisworld.com/united-kingdom/industry/plumbing-heating-air-conditioning-installation/2505
2. www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-kingdom-heating-equipment-market/market-size
