| By :
Martin Hofschroer
All plumbers should make sure they have a good knowledge of energy efficient appliances, according to a training centre manager. Steve Rhodes, of Nu-Heat, has said that an increasing number of people are interested in energy efficient appliances as they are looking to reduce bills, lower their carbon footprint and become more self sufficient. Plumbers should therefore take green energy courses to gain the skills to install the new large variety of appliances as consumers are no longer concentrating on just solar panels, according to Steve Rhodes. People who have passed plumbing courses should add to their skill-set and learn how to install air source and ground source heat pumps, biomass, under floor heating, wind turbines and PV as they become more popular. People taking green energy courses have said that consumers are constantly asking how many energy efficient technologies they can have in one property in order to make it is environmentally-friendly as possible. Homeowners often turn to their plumber for advice and it is important that they have the appropriate knowledge and experience of green technologies so that they can take advantage of a business opportunity and help a customer at the same time. Plumbers working on housing developments have already noticed an increase in the integration of technologies such as exhaust air heat pumps, under floor heating and solar thermal in order for developers to comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes. More plumbers will be required to take green energy courses as an increasing number of homes are built with a variety of integrated systems to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes. In addition, plumbers with green energy skills will be able to take advantage of the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The RHI, which will be in place by April 2011, will provide financial support for those who install renewable heating, which qualifies for support under the scheme. Renewable heating technologies include air and ground-source heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass boilers, renewable combined heat and power, use of biogas and bioliquids and the injection of biomethane into the natural gas grid. RHI payments will be claimed by and paid to the owner of the appliances and in theory most customers should pay off installation costs within nine years. The introduction of RHI will probably result in renewable technology becoming more popular options for both new-build homes and renovations. Plumbers who have completed green energy courses will be best places to know what technologies work best together for different types of property.
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