The president of CONAIF, Francisco Alonso Gimeno, explained the main challenges being faced by the installation sector

In your opinion, how important is the role of installers in the HVAC and cooling sector? 

We as installers play a key role, not only as technical professionals, but also as customer consultants. In the energy transition towards a decarbonised economy, based on energy efficiency and the generation of renewable energy, we need efficient and well-maintained installations, as well as qualified professionals to perform them and to advise customers.

Connectivity, nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB), air quality, ventilation, waste product recycling … these are areas with a high potential for development in the sector, that require trained and qualified installers.

What is the current level of professionalisation and specialisation of these professionals in Spain? 

Installers, due to our key role in the sector as I mentioned earlier, have to guarantee a high level of professionalisation for the client, which we mainly acquire through training and experience.

There is a high level of professionalisation among Spanish installers because, if not, we would be left out of a market that is increasingly competitive and demanding. This means that we have to be up to date on changes in regulations and on the use of the various technologies that progress very quickly. We also require specific training on renewable energy such as air source heat pumps, geothermal energy or photovoltaic energy, due to the trends of new regulations that come into effect, all aimed at increasing energy efficiency and savings in buildings.

What are the main challenges for this sector in the future? 

Digitalisation, connectivity for installations, adaptation to the new upcoming regulations, sustainability, care for the environment and renewable energy, electrification and other concepts linked to the energy transition that we installers adopt as our own.