Installers see the drive to reduce emissions as an opportunity, and are optimistic about the short and long-term future of their businesses, according to new research.
Daikin UK’s inaugural Installer Confidence Monitor survey has revealed that three quarters of the installers on its Sustainable Home Network expect their profits to increase in the year ahead – rising to 88% of installers when looking ahead to the next five years.
72% see the government’s sustainability commitments and targets – such as the forthcoming gas boiler ban and the drive to reach net zero by 2050 – as an opportunity for their business.
13% are taking a slightly more cautious approach – recognising the opportunity but also acknowledging that potential threat if they don’t pivot to take advantage. That could explain why 93% are investing time and money in heat pump installation training in the next 12 months, with half upskilling to install hybrid heat pump systems. Just 17% still plan to invest in their gas boiler installation capabilities.
On average, at present, those surveyed get 27% of their business from installing heat pumps and hybrid heat pumps, and the expectation is that this will increase to 43% over the next five years.
Iain Bevan, commercial manager, heating and renewables at Daikin UK, said: “It’s encouraging that Sustainable Home Network installers see the road to net zero as a positive – not just for the planet, but for their businesses, too.
“And with nine in 10 (88%) saying they’d be very likely to recommend a career as a renewable heating installer to family and friends, together, we can be the energy for change.
“We’re going to run this survey on a quarterly basis, to help us understand the challenges and opportunities facing our installer base, so we can continue to provide the products, services and resources they need to succeed.”
The Daikin Sustainable Home Network is free to join and offers heat pump installers a wide range of business-building benefits and expertise. More than three quarters of respondents to the recent Installer Confidence Monitor survey have benefited from the free training that’s available, with half saying the sales leads (52%) and free technical support phoneline (50%) from Daikin UK have also benefited their business.
27% have benefited from personalised marketing materials, 25% from branded van livery and workwear, and 25% from special offers on key products.
