The Expanding HVAC Market
Demand for heating and ventilation products has expanded dramatically… In 2006, the non–domestic market alone was valued at over £1.3 billion.
AMA report: Ventilation, air conditioning and Non–Domestic Heating Market — UK 2007
In today’s domestic and non–domestic premises, heating, air conditioning and ventilation products are in greater demand than ever — one reason for this is Britain’s increasingly unpredictable weather. This has lead to the market continuingly developing and diversifying, from indoor cooling and outdoor heating products for domestic and small commercial premises, there is an increasing number which contractors and installers can recommend to customers struggling to cope with the changeable climate.
Demand for heating and ventilation products has expanded dramatically over the last five years resulting in an explosion of new products to market. In 2006, the non–domestic market alone was valued at over £1.3 billion¹.
With one day often drastically different to the next we are continually turning to heating and cooling products to ensure indoor and outdoor comfort amid the changeable climate. This summer has been a typical example of variable, and unexpected, weather conditions. Hot and humid spells, below average temperatures and the highest levels of rain fall since records began, are just a few of the weather conditions experienced over the summer months. As Autumn approaches, some experts are predicting an Indian summer, while others forecast a wet and miserable Autumn, but really who knows what the next few months hold when it comes to the great British weather?
It would be easy to be glum but the UK’s changeable climate presents contractors and installers with a key opportunity to boost profits. Today there is a huge range of cooling and heating products available to help domestic and smaller commercial premises overcome the weather. Easy to use and energy efficient, they can offer the perfect solution to variable conditions.
Start of pageIndoor cooling
A massive area of growth, a recent market research report estimated that the UK air conditioning market will be worth £731.8 million by 2011². This is because, while the outdoor weather may be completely uncontrollable, air conditioning allows us to effectively control the ’indoor weather’ to suit our own comfort and convenience.
Air conditioning is increasingly a part of everyday life in modern Britain. Although a long established feature in many larger workplaces, as more people realise the benefits attached to having a quality air cooling, air conditioning is moving into the domestic and smaller commercial sphere.
Portable solutions offer excellent cooling capabilities at an affordable price. There is a wide array of air conditioning units available and one of the most popular is a portable 3–in–1 unit which provides cooling, dehumidifying and fan options. Easy to use, it has a 16–30°C temperature setting, 24 hour timer and microprocessor controller, allowing for a greater overall cooling capacity.
Fans are perfect for those looking for an even more simple and inexpensive cooling solution. For use in the home, domestic fans are now available in a limitless array of styles, shapes, and brands.
Ideal for use in a number of commercial and industrial applications, ceiling sweep fans help keep indoor environments cool during hot weather. Simple to install and extremely powerful on application, these fans offer practical, stylish and cost–effective ventilation for virtually all commercial applications.
Start of pageOutdoor heating
Outdoor heating products also offer contractors a lucrative profit opportunity. Not only are they a fantastic way for commercial and domestic customers to make greater use of outdoor space when the weather is cooler, they can also help companies comply with the smoking ban which has triggered a massive growth in demand for outdoor heating. In fact, as a direct result of the ban, it is now estimated that the number of privately owned patio heaters alone will rise this year from 1.2 million to 2.3 million³.
Due to a lack of awareness, many people tend to choose gas patio heaters when opting for outdoor heating although this is not necessarily the most cost–effective or energy efficient method. While gas patio heaters do offer a good and consistent heat they are expensive to buy and maintain and bear a high carbon footprint. Alarmingly, a recent study showed that a typical gas heater used for two hours produces the same amount of carbon dioxide as a car produces in an average day.
Alternatively there is a wide choice of electric heaters available, such as electric patio heaters or smaller, portable quartz heaters. Products which are IP65 rated are totally weatherproof and ideal for heating a patio or outdoor smoking area.
Economical but effective, electric heaters give the same effect as gas heater but with the convenience of not having to having to replace gas bottles or having the worry of running out of gas. Better still, electric heaters use a totally dry heat system so that there is no condensation, gas or fumes.
Particularly energy efficient, electric quartz heaters use a third less energy to run than a gas heater but actually generate a larger heating capacity. Increasingly used for both domestic and non–domestic use, these heaters are currently seeing a rapid growth in demand and one of the popular types currently on the market is a small 1.5 W electric quartz heater. Boasting an average coverage of 2.5m and a soft glow neutral density lamp and easy lamp replacement, it presents a single product solution for outdoor heating.
The changeable weather we are experiencing presents a key business opportunity for the heating and ventilation industry. Furthermore, the new smoking ban has triggered a massive growth in sales for outdoors heating, particularly from pubs, clubs and restaurants, requiring a way to provide a comfortable outdoor smoking environment for customers all year round. As a result, the need for cooling and heating products is set to continue and this widening business opportunity to sell these products shows no sign of stopping.
Start of pageFootnotes
- AMA report: Ventilation, air conditioning and Non–Domestic Heating Market — UK 2007.
- http://www.mbdltd.co.uk/Press-Release/Air-Conditioning.htm
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6914276.stm
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