An installer's guide to energy efficiency

In a world where energy efficiency is a priority, choosing the right heating solution for a property is crucial. As an installer, you play a significant role in guiding homeowners towards the most suitable and effective heating systems. Whether it's an air source heat pump, a combi boiler, or a system boiler, understanding their efficiencies and how to improve them is essential. Equally important is your responsibility as an installer to promote and improve energy efficiency. 

Understanding client needs and identifying solutions

Every home is unique, and so are its heating requirements. The starting point is always understanding the specific needs of your client. For instance, a compact modern flat might benefit from the streamlined efficiency of a combi boiler. Whereas a larger, older property might find a system boiler more appropriate due to its ability to supply hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously. Alternatively, air source heat pumps offer an excellent solution for those seeking a sustainable and forward-thinking option, particularly in well-insulated homes.

Heat pump vs gas boiler efficiency

Heat pumps are held as a major innovation in central heating efficiency, offering efficiency of around 300% in comparison to 95% for a gas boiler. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your client’s needs. Our guide, ‘Heat Pumps vs Gas Boilers’, compares the two and is a valuable resource to help your clients make the right choice. 

Enhancing efficiency in heating solutions

Once the appropriate heating system is identified, the next step is maximising its efficiency. Here are some straightforward tips to ensure each system operates at its best:

• Combi Boilers: Regular servicing is key. Advise your clients to have their boiler serviced annually to maintain optimal performance. Bleeding radiators and ensuring proper insulation of pipes can also significantly improve efficiency.

• System Boilers: Encourage the use of advanced thermostats and smart controls. These can help regulate the heating more effectively, ensuring energy is not wasted. Additionally, consider recommending the installation of solar thermal panels to complement the system boiler, providing a renewable energy source for hot water.

• Air Source Heat Pumps: Proper installation is critical. Ensure the unit is placed in an area where it can access as much ambient air as possible. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters and checking for refrigerant leaks, will also help keep the system efficient.

Increasing efficiency in older homes

Older homes can present a number of challenges for efficiency, including poor insulation. If the building is listed, this presents further difficulty as it limits the alterations that can be made.

However, installers can equip themselves to handle these tough projects by pursuing the ABBE Level 3 Award, which trains installers in the specific care and techniques required for heat pumps in listed buildings. 

Working toward the most efficient new builds

Working with new builds allows you, as an installer, to advise on and advocate for efficiency from the very start. With the government aiming to see 300,000 new homes built a year, the opportunity is great. As an installer, you can work with the architects and housing developers to select the best heating solutions, paired with effective insulation and other heating efficiency best practices.  

Innovating efficient social housing

Social housing presents a great opportunity for efficiency-oriented installers, with the government aiming to build 1.5 billion social and affordable homes. Our guide to improving heat pump performance in social housing can aid you in understanding the opportunities and grants available for energy efficient heating in this sector. 

Your role as an efficiency advocate

As an installer, your expertise is of immense value to homeowners. It is your responsibility to guide, inform, and reassure them about their heating options. Here’s how you can advocate for energy efficiency:

1. Educate Clients: Take the time to explain the benefits of energy-efficient systems and how they contribute to lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprints.

2. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest advancements in heating technology. Being knowledgeable about the most current and efficient products reinforces your credibility and assures clients they are in capable hands.

3. Promote Best Practices: Encourage clients to adopt energy-saving habits, such as setting their thermostats to lower temperatures when away or using heating controls effectively.

Boiler and heat pump efficiency in cold weather

In cold weather, the efficiency of any heating solution is reduced. However, practices such as pipe insulation can keep efficiency strong. Our guide to heating homes efficiently in winter can help you to advise your clients on best practices. 

Reassuring quality and commitment

At Ideal Heating, we believe in providing solutions that offer peace of mind. Our products are designed with the future in mind, ensuring high efficiency and sustainability. When you choose to install Ideal Heating products, you are not only delivering quality but also a promise of reliability and innovation. 

Rest assured, our commitment to excellence supports your efforts in promoting energy-efficient heating solutions that benefit both your clients and the environment.

By following these guidelines and embracing your role as an energy efficiency advocate, you can help homeowners make informed decisions that lead to long-term savings and environmental benefits. Together, we can pave the way towards a more sustainable future.

Learn more about energy efficient installations with our Expert Academy.