Daikin Applied (UK) Ltd - Experts & Thought Leaders

A cutting-edge Sustainable Home Center from the UK’s pioneer heat pump manufacturer, Daikin, is officially opening in Liverpool with a VIP launch event on Friday, 17th January, 2025. The event underlines the commitment to low-carbon heating solutions.  With the nation’s momentum shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy, these centers help to educate homeowners in the area on the benefits of sustainable, low-carbon, home heating, and support anyone considering the transition. Sustainable home heating technologies The center is a collaborative effort between Daikin and James Hargreaves, the largest independent plumbers' merchant in the UK. The third collaborative opening between Daikin and James Hargreaves aims to train local installers in sustainable home heating technologies, with a focus on renewable energy. The official launch event runs from 10 am - 4 pm on 17th January, and is open to all The official launch event runs from 10 am - 4 pm on 17th January, and is open to all, from homeowners to trade professionals, such as housebuilders, architects and heating installers. The opening will be attended by MP Anneliese Midgley and Lord Mayor Steve Rotheram to mark its official opening. MP Anneliese Midgley will be cutting the ribbon and the Lord Mayor will be in attendance from 12 pm. Environmentally friendly features Low carbon features are increasingly seen as key features in a home. As part of its recent Modern Home Must Haves campaign, fronted by Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen, Daikin found that 81 per cent of respondents believe that environmentally friendly features, such as a heat pump, an EV charging point and solar panels are now a modern home must have, rather than a nice to have. A whopping 81 percent wish their current home was more environmentally friendly, but have no idea where to start to rectify it. To address this issue, visitors to the Sustainable Home Center will be able to experience Daikin’s latest heat pump technology and meet experts in the field. The center aims to empower installers to embrace renewable heating and to encourage installers to replace a boiler, older heat pump or any other heat source with the Daikin Altherma HHT to receive £500 cashback or credit with Daikin. More sustainable future Gary Beaumont, Sales Director at James Hargreaves, commented: "As a business operating since 1923, we’ve seen many changes in the heating industry. We are passionate about upskilling our industry so our staff and customers have the knowledge and confidence to support a more sustainable future." He adds, "We’re thrilled to bring this innovative hub for Liverpool, where we’ll offer homeowners cutting-edge, sustainable heating solutions, while empowering local installers with training in advanced, eco-friendly technologies. We are looking forward to seeing the first installers come through our door, complete their training, and leave with the skills and expertise needed to drive our industry’s transition to a greener bright future."  Green energy efficiency enhancements Commercial Manager of Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, Iain Bevan, commented: "Heat pumps hold immense potential for slashing energy consumption and home bills. Over their 15-year lifespan, transitioning from a fossil fuel boiler to an air source heat pump could yield savings exceeding £3,000 compared to gas boilers, over £6,000 compared to oil, and surpassing £9,000 compared to LPG." He adds, "Our studies reveal that a staggering 68% of homeowners are unaware of the significantly higher energy efficiency of heat pumps over gas boilers. While gas boilers operate at 70-90% efficiency, heat pumps soar between 300-400%. There’s an essential need to educate homeowners about heat pump technology, and our Sustainable Home Centers, like Climate Controls & Spares Ivybridge, offer the ideal platform for such endeavors." Iain Bevan continues, "Furthermore, with substantial funding accessible through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, now boosted to £7,500, homeowners have remarkable opportunity to undertake green energy efficiency enhancements."

Daikin, in partnership with Bolton College, is launching a recruitment campaign to engage five apprentices for its Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship program.  The trailblazing course is being rolled out for the first time this year, so the apprentices will be among the first in the UK to achieve this qualification.  Carbon neutral by 2038 Daikin plans to recruit a significant number of more trainees from the GMCA area in the coming years This initiative marks a significant step in promoting green skills and supporting the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) target to be carbon neutral by 2038. The five apprentices will be recruited directly from the Greater Manchester area and Daikin plans to recruit a significant number of additional apprentices from the GMCA area in the coming years. low-carbon heating sector This initial three-year program will start in February 2025. The apprentices will gain cutting-edge skills and knowledge to become pioneers in the low-carbon heating sector, plugging the green-skills gap, future-proofing their careers and contributing to a greener future. They will split their time between learning on the job with qualified engineers, and classroom training at Bolton College. A further four apprentices from Robert Heath Heating (RHH), who are part of the Daikin Group, will join the apprentices recruited from the GMCA area, as part of a dedicated 'Daikin Class' at Bolton College. This commitment highlights the high-quality training that the College delivers. The RHH apprentices will be based outside the GMCA area. builds on Daikin’s shared commitment Commenting on the program, Iain Bevan, Daikin UK’s Residential New Business Director, said: "The launch of the Low Carbon Heating Apprenticeship scheme underlines Daikin’s commitment to helping GMCA achieve its net zero ambitions. The apprenticeships will open the door to long-term, secure careers at the heart of the low carbon heating revolution." The initiative builds on Daikin’s and GMCA’s shared commitment to sustainability The initiative builds on Daikin’s and GMCA’s shared commitment to sustainability and the decarbonization of Manchester.  The program serves as a key milestone in the partnership, complementing flagship projects like Embassy Village - a groundbreaking homelessness project in Manchester, where Daikin is installing heat pumps and offering training bootcamps, to help its residents acquire green skills and secure employment in the HVAC industry.  Daikin's ongoing commitment In addition, Daikin is set to open an all-new training center in Manchester in the Spring of 2025, significantly enhancing its training capacity. The new center will more than triple the number of engineers the Company can train each year, from around 1,800 to approximately 6,000. This development reflects Daikin's ongoing commitment to advancing skills and addressing the growing need for highly trained professionals in the industry.

Daikin has launched its game-changing Multi+ system. It combines the best of an Air-to-Air heat pump with a domestic hot water tank, as well as air purification in one energy-saving system.  The Multi+ system uses state-of-the-art technology to create a comfortable home all year round, while ensuring a plentiful supply of hot water. The system can be programmed to meet the individual user’s needs for heating, cooling and hot water.  Electric booster heater The system also features a weather-dependent setting, where the water temperature is determined automatically by the external temperature. If the outdoor temperature drops or rises, the unit compensates instantly without requiring user adjustment. Where space cooling and hot water are required at the same time, the electric booster heater ensures that the water is at the right temperature. Space heating and hot water heating can be set to operate simultaneously. heat pump technology Daikin’s heat pump technology ensures that Multi+ runs economically, keeping running costs down Depending on the priority setting, demand for hot water or heating/cooling will be met for maximum comfort. Daikin’s proven heat pump technology, also ensures that Multi+ runs economically, keeping running costs down.  Requiring minimal space, the Multi+ is quick and easy to install. This makes it an ideal replacement for Domestic Hot Water (DHW) systems, where air conditioning is also being installed. Plus, with a maximum pipe run of up to 50 meters, it provides great flexibility in selecting its location. Multi + Air-to-Air Heat Pump A variety of indoor units, including wall-mounted, floor-standing, and concealed ceiling models, are available to meet esthetic and room space requirements, offering a range of several award-winning designs. As they’d expect from Daikin, the Multi + Air-to-Air Heat Pump has been engineered to provide the highest standards of reliability and efficiency.  It incorporates several important innovative design features including a cutting-edge fan design, with specially shaped fan blades that significantly reduce sound emissions and power consumption. In addition, its powerful high-efficiency swing compressor continuously adjusts the system’s cooling and heating output to maintain desired room temperatures. Daikin’s Onecta app User-friendly controls allow the settings to be adjusted to fit around the users' individual needs. The unit can be controlled via Daikin’s Onecta app, which is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows the system to be controlled and monitored from anywhere in the world. Hamid Salimi, Daikin’s Residential Product Manager, said: “The Multi+ system is a real game changer. Not only is it quick and easy to install, it gives the customer cooling, heating, air purification and hot water in one, simple-to-use system. The outdoor unit size means that it is ideal for small outdoor spaces such balconies and terraces.” G3 qualification and F-Gas certification The Multi+ heat pump can be connected to up to three indoor units as well as the 120-liter hot water tank. This makes it ideal for smaller residential and business applications. A larger system, that can support up to five indoor units and up to a 230-liter tank, is expected to be launched early next year. To install the Multi+, installers will require a G3 qualification and F-Gas certification. Daikin can provide training to enable installers without these qualifications to meet the necessary requirements.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program is designed to enhance building efficiency and electrification. Running from 2024 through 2027, the program aims to overcome adoption barriers, promote advanced heat pump technologies, and create sustainable solutions for HVAC professionals. Compared with conventional packaged rooftop units (RTUs) with natural gas heating, heat pump RTUs are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs by up to 50%. For those in the HVAC industry, this program is an opportunity to boost operational efficiency, align with emerging sustainability standards, and unlock new business. Transforming Commercial HVAC with Heat Pumps Known for their dual heating and cooling abilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems The DoE’s program centers on accelerating the adoption of high-efficiency heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. By working collaboratively with stakeholders—including manufacturers, utilities, and facility managers—the initiative seeks to integrate energy-efficient solutions into commercial buildings nationwide. Known for their dual heating and cooling capabilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems. The Accelerator program prioritizes cutting-edge systems to lower energy consumption and operating costs for businesses. As decarbonization becomes a global priority, electrification of HVAC systems is also key. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, heat pumps contribute to a cleaner energy future. Practical Benefits for Professionals For HVAC professionals, the program provides a framework to explore new markets and enhance service offerings. With the Accelerator program’s emphasis on efficiency, HVAC professionals can help clients reduce energy bills, providing a tangible ROI for heat pump installations. Participants in the program also gain access to technical guidance, best practices, and case studies, fostering skills to implement heat pumps effectively. As building owners seek energy-efficient solutions, HVAC professionals are positioned as experts in heat pump technology in order to gain a competitive edge. Success of the residential challenge The retail program is a growth of an earlier program related to residential technologies The commercial program is an expansion of an earlier program related to residential technologies. Last fall, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that eight manufacturers in the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge completed rigorous product field testing to demonstrate energy efficiency and improved performance in cold weather. Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, Midea, Rheem, and Trane Technologies participated in the residential challenge. Cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) developed as part of the challenge will soon enter commercial production, manufacturers say.  Building upon the success of the residential challenge, DOE is now working with nine heat pump manufacturers to advance rooftop units (RTUs) for commercial buildings through a new technology challenge. Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge Expanding with the Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge through its Better Buildings program, DoE is now working with heat pump manufacturers AAON, Addison, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, LG, Rheem, and Trane Technologies to improve the energy efficiency and performance of RTUs in cold weather. The manufacturers will partner with DoE and national laboratories to create prototypes and test product performance and durability. They will then lead field validations with Better Buildings partners, including Amazon, General Motors, Ikea, the Los Angeles Unified School District, Target, Whole Foods, and others. Tackling Challenges in Heat Pump Adoption The DoE program recognizes common challenges HVAC professionals face in promoting commercial heat pump adoption and provides strategic solutions. Cost Barriers: The upfront cost of heat pumps can deter clients. The program encourages collaboration with utilities to offer incentives and financing options, making the transition more affordable. Performance in Cold Climates: Heat pumps have historically underperformed in colder regions. By focusing on technological advancements, the Accelerator addresses performance issues, ensuring systems work efficiently even in extreme weather. Workforce Training: To ensure seamless implementation, the DoE supports workforce development through training programs, thus empowering HVAC professionals to deliver high-quality installations. A Collective Push for Change The Accelerator agenda thrives on alliances, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders The Accelerator program thrives on partnerships, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders. For manufacturers and innovators, the program promotes advanced heat pump technologies that meet the diverse needs of commercial buildings. For utilities and energy providers, there are incentives to encourage adoption and offset initial costs. Building owners and facility managers can benefit from sharing insights and case studies to demonstrate the practical benefits of heat pumps in real-world scenarios. In general, HVAC professionals can benefit by staying connected to these networks, keeping abreast of new technologies and customer-centric solutions. Heat Pumps and a Greener Future Heat pumps align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet regulatory requirements. For HVAC professionals, this means not only improving the environmental impact of their services but also helping clients achieve compliance with evolving energy codes and standards. The DoE’s Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program offers HVAC professionals a clear path to embrace innovation, improve energy efficiency, and secure a leadership position in a rapidly changing marketplace. By participating in the program, HVAC experts can drive the industry forward while enhancing their businesses and delivering meaningful value to clients. As the HVAC landscape evolves, those who seize this opportunity will not only adapt but thrive, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in the years to come.

With the UK committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050, drastic action is needed by the government. For new-build homes, there’s a gas boiler ban coming in less than five years’ time. And for older properties, it’s likely that gas prices will continue to rise, to encourage homeowners to switch to a more sustainable alternative. Renewable heating market With this in mind, the renewable heating market is growing rapidly, albeit from a very small base – but with targets in place to keep the momentum up. The government has committed to install 600,000 heat pumps into new homes by 2028. The government has committed to install 600,000 heat pumps into new homes by 2028 People who are already living in (old and new) properties heated by renewable technology should be applauded for pioneering it – but understandably, not everyone has the confidence to give up a solution they’re familiar with, and to step into the relative unknown. And that’s why the value of transitional technologies cannot be over-estimated– both to homeowners who want to live more sustainably and to installers looking to adapt and future-proof their businesses. But the role that hybrid heat pumps can play in accelerating progress on the road to zero has been somewhat overlooked to date. Hybrid heat pumps Hybrid heat pumps combine the power of a heat pump with the familiarity of a high-efficiency boiler. The two appliances work together to provide heating and hot water, providing the ideal replacement for a combi boiler as a first step towards introducing renewable heating technology into the home. Compared to a traditional gas boiler, hybrid heat pump systems can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 55% and have been proven to deliver up to a 50% reduction in energy bills in homes in the UK. Our Daikin Altherma hybrid heat pump’s smart programming helps to save up to 35% more energy than a traditional condensing boiler by automatically determining the most economically and energy-efficient operating combination based on energy prices, outdoor temperatures, and indoor heat capacity. Heat pump share The hybrid system’s operating mode can be shifted to more electric heat pump share As well as being quick to install, hybrid systems are designed to look and operate like a conventional boiler system and deliver like-for-like performance and comfort levels. And to give homeowners peace of mind, the heat pump can act as a back-up for the boiler, and vice-versa – meaning they’ll never be caught short. Hybrid systems are best-suited to smaller homes in urban areas, that are likely to have a combi-boiler, and where the shell of the building is not energy-efficient enough to rely on electricity alone. But as the efficiency of the building is improved and upgraded over time, the hybrid system’s operating mode can be shifted to more electric heat pump share. And while there’s a lot of talk about new homes in the renewable heating debate, hybrid technology is ideal for renovations and boiler replacements. Heating system replacements We estimate that there are 1.1 million homes across the country that would be well-served by a hybrid system. That, combined with the benefits of hybrids for both installers and consumers, is why we firmly believe in hybrid heat pumps’ potential to support a faster, easier, and more affordable transition to low carbon heating in this country. Every homeowner who buys a Daikin Altherma hybrid system gets a high-efficiency boiler for free When consumers are looking at heating system replacements, we know that complexity and disruption are barriers to purchase. Fortunately, neither is an issue with hybrids. While hybrid heat pump systems can be installed with a household’s existing boiler, to help increase uptake, we’re running a special offer at the moment whereby every homeowner who buys a Daikin Altherma hybrid system gets a brand-new, high-efficiency boiler for free. Low carbon technology And there’s no need to lose valuable floor space to a hot water cylinder or to make changes to the radiators. Hybrids aren’t just good news for homeowners; they represent a real opportunity for installers, too. At the moment, there are 1,000 heat pump installers in the UK and around 125,000 gas boiler installers. We need to transition these boiler installers towards low carbon technology – not just to drive progress on the road to net zero, but to help their businesses stay relevant and competitive. This year, in partnership with 11 of our Daikin Sustainable Home Centres across the UK, we’re running a free nationwide training program to help installers enter the renewable heating market with hybrid heat pumps. eco-Friendly hybrid solution Reducing electricity prices isn’t enough to encourage people to change the way they heat their homes Installers who complete the day-long course can expand their portfolio and gain the skills to upgrade customers to an eco-friendly hybrid solution. Reducing electricity prices isn’t enough to encourage people to change the way they heat their homes; more needs to be done to make new, clean technologies accessible and appealing. We’re doing what we can to incentivize homeowners – and installers – to embrace the possibilities of a hybrid heat pump system, but a clear funding mechanism from Government is needed as well, specifically to help with the upfront cost of upgrading (free boiler or no free boiler). While the now-closed Green Homes Grant explicitly included hybrid heat pump technology, there’s a big question as to whether the same hybrid solutions will be included in the Clean Heat Grant – the details of which are expected later this year. The answer to that question needs to be ‘yes’.