11 December 2025
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More than half (59%) of UK heating engineers are either already developing the skills to fit heat pumps or intending to do so in the next few years, according to Baxi’s fourth annual Installer Skills Survey1. Here, renewable heating installer Jack Noon of Bath and Boiler Co Ltd tells us about his journey into heat pumps.
What inspired you to make the move to heat pumps?
It all began early last year when we were given the opportunity to tender for four new build properties. The only problem was that we knew from the outset that we’d have to fit heat pumps. There was no option for gas – but we really wanted this project. That was a bit of a wake-up call because we felt like we could do the full job but there was just that small matter of needing to fit a heat source that we hadn’t been trained up on. We also knew that there wasn’t a real time pressure on the build and that we could have visitors on site if we needed support.
Fortunately, we’ve built up a great relationship with Baxi over the last five or six years, fitting around three or four hundred of their boilers in that period. I was hoping that they would offer the exact same service and support with their heat pumps as they do with their boilers. So, I got in touch with my Area Sales Manager Joe Burgess who immediately offered to put me on a free heat pump training course at their Warrington training centre. This conversation was in January. In February I started the two-day Baxi Heat Pump Installer course.
How did you find the training? Honestly, the trainers were amazing and just so passionate about their subject – they made what might have been a dry subject really interesting. Joe had also introduced me to Zulkarnan (‘Zed’) Qureshi, one of the residential specification managers, who provided fantastic contract and design support for my project. He actually submitted all the system designs while the course was running, so I was able to discuss my project with the trainers and sponge as much information from them as possible on the course! I also booked onto the BPEC course that they offer to complete my heat pump training. The trainers were so enthusiastic and did everything they could to ensure I was prepared for my first project.
How did your first projects go?
Zed was by my side throughout that first install, checking in on a regular basis. Baxi offer their Heat Pump Installers free commissioning on the first project and Zed came to that too. I really got the impression that they care about their installers! The heat pump engineer Charlie Fowlds was also great and went through the setup with me. It’s incredible to think, but within three or four months of doing the course, I had a design that successfully f itted all four houses. I happen to know the person who is living in one of these houses, so I also know that the heat pumps are all working great!
What advice would you offer other installers looking to make the move?
There shouldn’t be any negativity around heat pumps – you’ve just got to try it. But my message to installers who maybe feel a bit daunted about making the switch is to choose the right manufacturer who will offer the right level of support. That would be my first tip: look at the service, aftercare support and training the manufacturer offers and learn as much from them as you can – especially if it’s free.
The pressure comes from fitting a system that’s worth so much money. So, choose your manufacturer wisely and don’t be scared to pick up the phone and ask the questions if you’re unsure about anything. There’s nothing better than free expert knowledge. Even if you have a problem, with the right solutions provider you will get the help and advice you need immediately and find that heat pumps are really easy to set up.
How important are the design and commissioning stages?
The design is the big thing – it’s absolutely key for optimal heat pump performance. Again, there’s nothing better than asking the manufacturer for help as they are specialists on their solutions! If you’re fitting a Baxi heat pump, ask them to design it for you.
If choosing them, I’d also advise that you go on their Heat Pump Installer course and take advantage of the free commissioning they offer on your first install. You can learn so much from their engineers. Our engineer Charlie had blocked out the whole day for us which was very reassuring. We had eight grand’s worth of equipment that hadn’t been switched on, so to know that someone’s there holding your hand gives you that bit of welcome security.
How is the heat pump order book looking?
It’s looking good! A couple of months ago, we got another heat pump project. So, I got in touch with Joe who arranged for my business partner to do their Heat Pump Installer course too. Again, it was all free of charge. From the start of this latest residential project, Joe has been at our side, doing the design process, ordering all the components, providing help and support.
That is what has given us so much confidence. It’s incredible to think that a year ago we didn’t know how to fit heat pumps and now we have six installs under our belt! What’s more, with Joe’s help with the design, we’ve now tendered for another project that involves 14 heat pumps. So, the order book is looking good and, to be honest, it’s all been quite effortless. We’ve now got two retrofit projects booked in too, thanks to a lead from Joe. We see that as the next step, and it’s great that as a company we feel comfortable to go ahead and retrofit heat pumps into properties. We’re now about to service the first heat pumps we installed and we’re really up on that side of it too.
All in all, it’s been a real success story for us and I’d like to spread the word to reluctant installers that it can be the same for them too.
More information on Baxi’s ASHP solutions and service can be found at: www.baxi.co.uk/professional/products/air-sourceheat-pumps
Source
www.baxi.co.uk/professional/help-and-advice/news/uk-installerswarming-to-heat-pumps
