16 June 2025
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Jason Morjaria, Founder of Commusoft, shares his passion for technology and explains how software can help businesses overcome challenges in transitioning to renewable installations and win back valuable time, which is essential.
Is there a heat pump revolution?
Talk of heat pumps is increasing everywhere and the government’s push to replace gas boilers is impacting businesses all across the UK. While the installation targets are high, the industry’s ability to deliver on them is far behind where it needs to be. With slow progress being made, it’s understandable to wonder whether a heat pump revolution really is upon us... Of course, there’s little question about how effective a heat pump can be - both for residents wanting to save money and for installers who are looking for lucrative opportunities - but there are significant challenges slowing the industry down, which is costing time and money. Fortunately, as someone who’s passionate about technology, I believe that it’s through software that businesses can find the solutions they need to overcome many of the challenges in their way. Let’s explore how…
Challenges for businesses transitioning to renewable installations
At Commusoft, we believe that transitioning to renewables doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
Our mission as an all-in-one job management software provider has always been to empower installation businesses to work more efficiently. We know that with the right tools, they can maximise productivity, profitability, and boost company growth, all without compromising on their customer journeys.
We’ve seen a growing trend in clients who want to carry out more sustainable focused installations. Many of them are heating and plumbing installers who are now offering solar panel, EV charging, and heat pump installations alongside more traditional installs. While there’s definitely been an uptick in the adoption of renewables, common issues are getting in the way. For instance, the high cost of parts, or slow adoption rates from customers are amongst their biggest challenges.
Transitioning to renewables is essential though, and while it’s great to hear the buzz about adopting sustainable technologies and see financial incentive schemes making it more affordable, businesses also need to focus on efficiency if they’re to overcome the core challenges that are holding so many of them back.
Let’s take a look the main problems they face:
Problem 1: Closing the skills gap: Heat pump installations are significantly different from traditional boiler installers. Engineers need specialised training to understand the intricacies of sizing units and to ensure they run efficiently. Right now, the industry is grappling with a shortage of qualified installers. Gaining the necessary certifications can be time consuming and costly, especially for small businesses who lack the resources to train engineers up to the appropriate levels. Time is one thing and training apprentices is an increasingly costly investment, too. While many businesses may be willing to get to grips with renewables, there is a lack of skilled engineers that can be put to work…
Problem 2: Operational complexity: From property assessments, sizing calculations, coordination with suppliers, and time spent educating customers about heat-pumps, it’s not just installing them that’s a time-intensive process. The logistics of organising an install means that workflows are more complex, and without proper management, this comes at a cost. Inefficient processes will hinder a company’s ability to deliver the high quality customer service they’ve come to expect. It’s a shame, but you don’t have to search far to hear about installers who are cutting corners and letting their customers down. Not all businesses are set up or prepared to handle the administrative burden that comes with installing heat pumps.
Problem 3: Heavy administration: Whether it’s getting an MCS accreditation or working under an umbrella scheme, there’s a lot of paperwork involved with heat pump installations. While it’s necessary, it doesn’t stop it being tedious and time-consuming. As mentioned, training and assessments take time, too, but acquiring an MCS accreditation can take months as well. When you consider that applying for the BUS grant will also take weeks, it’s not surprising that admin effort is a daunting factor for businesses to take into consideration.
How this type of software empowers installers
The problems described above mean installers are facing a "triple burden" of sorts. They are expected to master new and complex technical skills, act as educators and salespeople and also navigate a disproportionately high administrative load for certifications and grants. Winning back time, then, is essential. Fortunately, it’s something that software tools can help with. Automation tools (like those listed below) can save users significant amounts of time and this makes creating, monitoring, and finishing jobs easier, freeing up their time for tasks that require greater attention and meaning they can get more done faster. Here’s a little look at how this type of software can help businesses adapt and solve time-consuming problems:
Streamlined job management: Heat pump installations are complex and often require multiple visits, from site assessment to commissioning. A system with this capability enables businesses to schedule and track every step with ease. It will keep everyone on the same page — from the moment the lead is captured to when the installation is complete — which ensures no detail falls through the cracks.
Enhanced customer communication: Educating customers is crucial to increasing heat pump adoption. A platform encourages transparency by enabling engineers to provide clear, detailed quotes and share easy-to-understand documentation. Businesses can also automate updates, such as job and service reminders to keep homeowners informed every step of the way.
Smarter inventory management: Working with heat pumps means relying on specific parts, like compressors and specialised pipework. A system with this capability means that, companies can track their inventory and ensure they always have the right equipment available. Prevent over-ordering and track the location of parts, too. Clients have seen six-figure savings when using our parts management tools and users can sync stock levels with suppliers, reducing delays and helping ensure smooth installations.
Adaptation support: Transitioning to renewables isn’t just about learning new skills; it’s about building a sustainable business. That’s why it’s important the software provider offer training and support to help companies onboard their teams. Tools, like Commusoft Academy, help users get to grips with the features, too. Our goal is to make operational adjustments simple so leaders can focus their energy on growth, simplify training, and give their attention on more complex tasks, instead.
The future is in renewables
Adopting heat pumps doesn’t just open doors to new revenue streams; it allows businesses to tap into a growing customer base of eco-conscious homeowners. Green technology adoption is only accelerating, and staying ahead of the curve ensures longevity and scalability. Software tools like ours play an essential role in achieving these goals. We frequently hear from clients about how our tools help them improve productivity, simplify communication, and streamline complex workflows. While there’s a long way to go if the industry is to pick up speed, we are seeing clients update their service offerings and speak more enthusiastically about renewable technologies. While some factors out of their control can mean it’s slow going, the good news is that they’re optimistic about the tools they use to overcome other challenges, saving them time and helping them pick up the pace to achieve a greener future.
www.commusoft.co.uk
