On April 11th, a brand-new state-of-the-art heat pump showroom and training center opened its doors in Honiton.
Daikin Sustainable Home Center
Daikin, the UK’s heat pump manufacturer, has continued to grow its Sustainable Home Network, which provides local access to the latest heating and cooling technologies and training facilities to upskill heating engineers as the nation transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
This is Daikin’s fifth Sustainable Home Centre launch in 2024, aided by the increasing adoption of renewable energy and heat pumps.
Renewable heating
The center will house a heat pump training facility, allowing heating installers to diversify into renewable heating
Launched by Bradfords, a family-run, independent builder’s merchant on 11 April, the new Daikin Sustainable Home Centre is located on Station Approach, Honiton. Local MP officially opened the Sustainable Home Centre for Honiton and Tiverton, Richard Foord.
Providing a hub for homeowners to learn about renewable heating and for its installers to bring their customers, the center will also house a heat pump training facility, allowing heating installers to diversify into renewable heating solutions and ensure the long-term competitiveness of their businesses, as fossil fuel boilers, are transitioning out.
Air-source heat pump technology
Trading Director P&H at Bradfords, Luke Smith, stated, “Opening this new Sustainable Home Centre was a fantastic milestone for our business and the local community."
He adds, "It will become a place for homeowners, developers, and installers to familiarize themselves with air-source heat pump technology and to speak to an expert to discuss the most suitable heating and cooling solutions.”
sustainable heating solution
Luke Smith continues, “This is our first renewable showroom that will support our focus to move away from fossil fuels to a more sustainable heating solution for all our customers. We’re also excited to be able to offer quality installer training on the latest Daikin air source technology. It was great to have our local MP, Richard Foord, join us to celebrate this next step in our journey to help our community become more sustainable.”
He further said, “With our local expert advice in all areas of plumbing and heating and Daikin’s market-pioneering product range, there will be something for everyone, both now and in the future.”
reduced energy usage and bills
Commercial Manager – Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, Iain Bevan stated, “Heat pumps offer huge potential to reduce energy usage and bills in the home."
He adds, "Over a 15-year lifespan, switching from fossil fuel to an air source heat pump can save homeowners more than £3,000 when compared to a gas boiler, more than £6,000 compared with oil, and more than £9,000 compared to LPG.”
green energy efficiency
Iain Bevan continues, “Our research has uncovered that 68% of homeowners are unaware that heat pumps are significantly more energy efficient than gas boilers. Gas boilers operate at 70-90% compared to 300-400% for heat pumps. It’s clear there’s work to do to educate homeowners on heat pump technology, and Sustainable Home Centres like Honiton are the perfect place to do it.”
He further said, “With extensive funding available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which has been raised to £7,500, it is a fantastic time for homeowners to make green energy efficiency improvements.”
low-carbon technologies
Richard Foord, MP of Honiton and Tiverton commented, “I’ve been very impressed by the Daikin Sustainable Home Centre and enjoyed getting to see some of the models that are on offer during my visit. There are a range of low-carbon technologies available that can be tailored to fit the needs of both the home and the user."
He adds, “As a heat pump owner myself, I know that this is a very efficient technology that does a great job of helping heat homes more sustainably."
training facility
Richard Foord continues, "I am keen to see more people trained to install and service heat pumps, as well as a growing number of apprentices working in this space. I am really glad to see that Bradford's are working with Daikin to invest in low carbon heating and heat pump technology. Bradford's training facility will help upskill a whole new generation of heat pump installers and is something we all should welcome.”
