The air source heat pump manufacturer is partnering with builders merchants, heating specialists and energy companies across the UK to create walk-in locations for homeowners to get to grips with the benefits of renewable heating solutions. Once they’ve identified the best solution for their home, they are partnered with a trusted local installer.

As well as winning projects and sourcing products via the centres, installers can access training, resources and stock, to help them diversify into renewable heating solutions – and to ensure the long-term competitiveness of their businesses as fossil fuels are phased out.

Each of the three new centres invited homeowners, installers, housing associations and government representatives to celebrate their openings and recognise the important role they can play in driving the adoption of renewable heating systems.

The growth of Daikin’s Sustainable Home Network coincides with growing demand for heat pumps, boosted by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Home Upgrade Grant and removal of VAT on heat pump installation.

Iain Bevan, Commercial Manager – Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, commented: “To be a Sustainable Home Centre is the top tier of Daikin Sustainable Home Network membership – an opportunity for specialist renewable heating businesses to step up and lead the movement towards a low carbon future, by opening a state-of-the-art heat pump showroom and where applicable, a training facility, jointly funded by Daikin.

“These latest additions follow a busy year for launches across our network. We’re proud to be supporting Clima-tech, Richmonds and Duftons as, together, we can tackle the green skills shortage and make a significant contribution towards our national net zero targets.

“Being able to explore and discuss heat pump technology and the significant cost savings they offer in person is vital, as is knowing that it will be installed by a highly trained professional - and that’s what our Sustainable Home Centres are all about.

“Heat pumps have huge potential to reduce energy usage and bills in the home. Over its 15-year lifespan, switching from a fossil fuel boiler to a Daikin Altherma low temperature wall mounted heat pump will 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.

“With lifetime savings of between 24 and 37 tonnes of carbon, switching from gas, oil or LPG to a heat pump can have a massive impact on a building’s carbon footprint and represents our best chance to make a significant contribution towards our national net-zero targets.”

Councillor Victoria Oldham, Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, attended the opening of Duftons and said: “The opening of Duftons’ Sustainable Home Centre here in Harrogate is a huge moment for the Harrogate community, and a great opportunity for homeowners to begin exploring sustainable technology.

“It’s fantastic to see Duftons making renewable heating technology so accessible to Harrogate homeowners and the wider community, helping support us on our essential journey towards net zero.”

Installers who join Daikin’s Sustainable Home Network can benefit from free, hands-on training at its industry-leading training centres around the UK, to develop their heat pump installation and commissioning expertise.

Other benefits of joining the network include dedicated technical support, sales-ready leads, business support and special offers.