With the current recession kicking in and making an impact on household expenditure, it is easy to see why installers may be struggling to find work. Many homeowners will be looking at their daily expenditure and finding ways of cutting down on unnecessary costs. In addition, most homeowners when making a purchase often tend to view it from a short-term perspective rather than a long-term perspective.
Regrettably this means that many people are unlikely to look to have their boiler serviced and if a boiler happens to break down, the homeowner is likely to take the option of repairing it, rather than replacing it completely with a whole new boiler.
Although it may seem difficult at first, there is a way around this. If you use your knowledge to your disposal, it could prove to be quite an effective tool. You should use your powers of persuasion in convincing the customer about the positives of making an upgrade or subscribing to an annual service. If for instance, the customer is made aware of not just the economic side of getting an annual service but also the safety side, they will be more likely to make an investment.
Importance of servicing
Many people automatically dismiss the idea of subscribing to an annual service for their boiler as they see it as unnecessary expenditure. However, all the professionals in the heating industry are fully aware of the necessities of keeping the boiler in good working order. They are aware that annual servicing keeps the boiler in good working order and reduces the chance of it breaking down.
Nonetheless most homeowners do not realise this and choose to take the risk of not servicing their boiler. There are safety aspects to consider also, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. This kills around 40 people every year in the UK. If you use your knowledge appropriately, you could be able to persuade the customer in upgrading.
For instance, the customer should be made aware that a high efficiency boiler can save the homeowner about a third of their fuel bills according to the Energy Saving Trust. Additional savings could also be made if modern controls are also fitted.
If you fully explain the amount of savings the customer will be able to achieve by considering these options, you may be pleasantly surprised by the customer's reaction. Having fully explained the benefits of the amount of savings that can be achieved, the customer is more likely to make an upgrade. If you are also able to explain the carbon savings, this can also work in your favour as people are becoming more environmentally conscious.
Investing in renewable technologies
You can also apply the same logic to renewable technologies. On the surface, the initial investment in a solar thermal system or other type of renewable technology can seem quite expensive. This would not normally be too appealing to homeowners in the current economic climate. However, if the homeowner is made aware of the short term pain for the long term gain, than they may reconsider.
Finally, it is best not to feel too pessimistic about the current climate and how it may be affecting your work. The best tool at your disposal is your knowledge. Use it wisely.
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, plumbers, plumber Harrow, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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