Low-carbon heating

Heat pumps are evolving from being an option explored largely by those familiar with the technology to playing a central role in the government’s plans to decarbonise the nation’s heating systems. Mark Wilkins, Vaillant’s Technologies and Training director, looks at why gas engineers should consider diversifying their business.

With a target to install 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028, as set out in the government’s 10-Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, demand for this technology is set to rise significantly over the next few years. If you’re thinking of expanding your business, this is the market to be in.

The plan has put sustainable technology at front of mind for property owners and developers, while the extension of the Green Homes Grant to 2022 has made it a more realistic proposition in terms of cost, encouraging more people to start their journey to

decarbonising the heat in their homes and buildings. It’s a turning point for the heat pumps market, transforming what was once a niche technology into one that looks set to experience significant growth.

However, there is one stumbling block in the plans to move homes towards heat pumps: the shortage of qualified people to install them. Support and investment in installers and infrastructure will be crucial to ensuring wide-scale uptake of low-carbon technologies. And it’s a big opportunity, leading to additional revenue for those willing to seize the opportunity.

Latest figures suggest there are approximately 1,000 MCS-accredited installers actively fitting heat pumps. To meet the set targets, around 26,000 more will be needed. This is compared to the estimated 130,000 Gas Safe registered engineers.

With the technical knowhow and the experience of working on often complex heating systems, the progression into renewable technologies is a clear next step for any business looking to broaden its horizons with additional training and qualifications.

Heat loss and sizing remain a key part of specifying a heat pump installation. However, mindset and approach are also important elements. Where a quick survey may be all that is required when replacing a gas boiler, heat pumps require additional time up front to measure and size the room and figure out pipe runs to work out the most suitable system.

Following this, the installation work is not too dissimilar to that of a conventional boiler.

The extension to the Green Homes Grant not only gives customers more time to take advantage of the financial incentives on offer, but also goes some way to addressing the training window open to installers, allowing more time to train and obtain MCS and TrustMark certifications.

For those seriously interested in widening their knowledge base, training is key. Manufacturer support has already proved vital in helping many on their heat pump journeys, from giving advice on the capabilities of ground source and air source systems, to finding the right training courses. Partnering with a manufacturer provides the opportunity to find out about products in detail and gain access to expert guidance when required.

We feel it’s always best to take an agnostic approach to heating, suggesting the right system for the property, whether that’s a boiler eventually running on hydrogen, a heat pump, or a combination of the two, and we’re developing products accordingly. Being able to offer all solutions inevitably puts gas engineers in a position to maximise every opportunity and revenue stream as the push towards net zero continues to gain momentum.

When you look at the UK’s current infrastructure alongside the diversity of the communities and housing stock, pinning the future of the environment on a single type of fuel or technology is overly restrictive. There is no silver bullet here, and a more complex approach is needed.

While retrofit and existing gas grid properties could benefit from boilers powered by hydrogen and other greener gases, new-build and off-grid properties may be better served by maximising the potential efficiency increases that heat pumps offer. What we do know is that, for those looking to grow and diversify, heat pumps are well worth considering. ■

Vaillant’s online training courses on low-carbon heating technologies are designed to be easily accessible. Building on your product and installation knowledge, the six in-depth modules can be taken in isolation to fill knowledge gaps, but also fit together to cover the journey from beginning to end.

Starting with an introductory course, explaining the workings of a heat pump and the reasons and rationale for decarbonisation, modules then cover specifying and installing a heat pump. Further modules expand on this learning to cover more technical topics, including natural refrigerants and split systems.

Extensive training on designing and installing our heat-pump heating systems, and our work with industry bodies such as CIPHE and the Heat Pump Association, means you can gain the knowledge and competencies needed to deliver quality installations.

Vaillant’s latest podcast series and online webinar sessions include first-hand experience and advice if you’re thinking about diversifying into heat pumps.