Plumbing and heating 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 released by Daikin.
The heat pump manufacturer’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.
Seventy-two per cent 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.
However, 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.
In total, 93% were 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 ten 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.”