Swedish propane (R290) heat pump manufacturer Aira has announced the opening of a new training academy in London to “facilitate training for thousands,” including installers, over the next 10 years.
Big plans: Aira’s new London training center is located in Crayford in south London and encompasses 1,300m2 (13,993ft2). The company said its opening will lead to the immediate creation of 140 jobs.
- In addition to installers, electricians, designers and “all those involved in heat pump installations,” the academy will also provide training for the company’s sales team.
- The company’s goal is to train 8,000 heat pump installers over the next decade in the U.K.
Meeting demand: Aira said its market research has found that 52% of Londoners “are likely to install a heat pump” when renovating their home or replacing their heating system.
The Aira heat pump: The company sells its air-to-water heat pump in three sizes: 6kW, 8kW and 12kW (1.7TR, 2.3TR and 3.4TR). It’s paired with a 100 or 250L (26.4 or 66gal)-hot water tank with a 40L (10.6gal)-buffer tank also available.
- The Aira heat pump produces water at up to 70°C (158°F) for space heating via radiators or underfloor piping. The company said it has an operating range of −25 to 45°C (−13 to 113°F).
- The heat pump is also reversible if optioned with fan coils and can provide a cooling capacity between 8–13kW (2.3–3.7TR).
- Aira previously sold R290 heat pumps manufactured by companies including Vaillant but recently opened its own factory in Wrocław, Poland, that it said will have a maximum annual production capacity of 500,000 units.
What it means for NatRefs: Aira sells its heat pumps directly to consumers and handles installation in-house, which is why it’s so invested in training technicians. However, its training push could benefit the U.K. heat pump market overall, which is dealing with a shortage of skilled workers in the field.
- Unlike in the EU, where the new F-gas Regulation mandates countries establish certification programs for working with propane and other natural refrigerants, no such regulation exists in the U.K.
- In a recent technical bulletin, the U.K.’s Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) called for “all technicians and engineers working on R290 systems” to receive appropriate training, noting that there are currently no regulations in place governing the installation of heat pumps using hydrocarbons. BESA offers a training course in working with flammable refrigerants.
Quotable: “Aira will make a fantastic contribution to the local economy and community with sustainable and affordable heating solutions,” said Daniel Francis, Member of Parliament for Bexleyheath and Crayford. “I look forward to following the Aira Academy’s growth and working closely with them to implement the government’s Warm Homes Plan to upgrade British homes.”
