What does the pathway to a qualified heat pump installer look like?

Ian Trott, Training Manager at Baxi, discusses the opportunities net zero presents to installers and how they can ready themselves to capitalise on the growing heat pump market.

The industry is undergoing a seismic shift towards low-temperature heat as part of a nationwide drive to decarbonise the Republic of Ireland. Low-temperature heating may be mandatory in all new build homes, but existing properties can also be a viable target for energy efficiency upgrades. Where the fabric of the property is suitable, heat pumps are increasingly being considered as a viable alternative to gas boiler in these existing homes. What’s clear is that a significant number of homes will soon get their heat from an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and that homeowners will all be potential customers for heating engineers, so engineers need to prepare now.

How can installers begin their journey towards becoming heat pump experts?

For those looking to take that all-important first step into low carbon heating, a product familiarisation day focussed on heat pumps can be a great place to start. These events are great opportunities to ask about the technology itself, the legislation around it, and to talk to others in the industry about their experience with heat pumps. Courses such as Baxi’s Air Source Heat Pump Product Day provide a one-day practical training opportunity to get familiar with ASHPs under the expert guidance of qualified training engineers.

What training is available?

Those who want to progress their heat pump journey can then sign up for an accredited heat pump course. Baxi runs a heat pump training courses for installers who are SEAI Accredited or have a recognised heat pump qualification, covering design, installation, commissioning and servicing of an air source heat pump as well as water regulations. Installers can prove their familiarity with technical standards for heat pumps and demonstrate their competence and commitment to quality work and customer service.

The Better Energy Homes Scheme is a Government funded grant that gives up €6,500 towards the costs of an Air Source Heat Pump Installation. This makes the technology much more affordable for homeowners who are looking to make the leap to low-temperature heating.

Heating engineers will increasingly be viewed as energy consultants as the Republic of Ireland accelerates its decarbonisation drive.

Why is the change to low carbon necessary?

The heating industry is changing and for a good reason. The decarbonisation of heat is a vital part of Ireland’s Net Zero goal which is in place to help protect the planet from climate change. By changing how we heat our homes, we can play a part in achieving our 2050 commitment and preserve the planet for future generations.

It is because of this that we are encouraging installers to get familiar with ASHPs now so they can be part of this Net Zero journey. Heating technology is evolving, and the Republic of Ireland needs qualified installers to embrace the opportunity that decarbonisation offers. Not only will low-carbon installers be aiding the Republic of Ireland’s environmental efforts, but they will also be in a perfect position to take advantage of the new business opportunities that will arise with the growing popularity of ASHPs.

As a committed partner to heating installers, we’ve invested in the products, expertise and training opportunities at Baxi that can help smooth your transition to low-carbon heat.

Find out more about the low carbon transition, watch the webinar Taking the leap to a low carbon future. To find out more about training opportunities, see here.