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A cutting-edge new Sustainable Home Centre from the UK’s leading heat pump manufacturer, Daikin, and Merchact James Hargreaves opens on Friday, 8th November James Hargreaves new Swinton Plumbing Supplies branch.
The centre builds on the wider partnership between Daikin, James Hargreaves and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, to support the latter’s first-of-its-kind Five-Year Environment Plan committing to urgent action to achieve net zero.
With the nation’s momentum shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy, these centres help to educate homeowners on the benefits of sustainable, low-carbon, home heating, and support anyone considering the transition.
This new centre is the second collaborative effort between Daikin and James Hargreaves, the largest independent plumbers' merchant in the UK, following their Burnley opening earlier this year. The centre aims to inform homeowners about sustainable home heating technologies, with a focus on renewable energy. The centre opening will aim to train X highly skilled clean energy installers in the local area every month, aiming to empower installers to embrace renewable heating.
The official launch event runs from 10am-2pm on 8th November and is open to all, from homeowners to trade professionals such as housebuilders, architects and heating installers.
The opening will be attended by Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, together with his project and investment teams to mark the official opening. Greater Manchester Authorities Head of Low Carbon, Dan Griffiths will also be there alongside several of his colleagues who are involved in the roll-out of low-carbon technologies across the authority. The ribbon cutting will commence at 12pm.
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 meet Greater Manchester’s net zero targets. We are thrilled to collaborate with Daikin to provide essential training facilities in the Manchester”
“We strongly believe in investing in the future and we see the challenge of converting to net zero as an exciting time for our country. The centre provides a space to develop the opportunities in the market for renewable 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.”
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 LPG1.
“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 is an essential need to educate homeowners about heat pump technology, and our Sustainable Home Centres, like James Hargreaves, offer the ideal platform for such endeavours.
“Furthermore, with substantial funding accessible through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers a grant of £7,500, homeowners have remarkable opportunity to undertake green energy efficiency enhancements.”
To encourage installers to replace a boiler, older heat pump or any other heat source with the Daikin Altherma HHT, Daikin are offering installers a £500 cashback or credit with Daikin. (Full T&Cs can be found on daikin.co.uk/cashback)
