ATAG recently opened a new training and experience center in Lichtenvoorde, the ATAG ComfortHub. With the new center, ATAG Heating aims to train existing and new installers who are switching from central heating boilers to electric and hybrid heat pumps in the coming years.
With the new training center, ATAG Heating intends to play an emphatic role in the energy transition. "With the opening of the ATAG ComtfortHub as a springboard to the new heating, we show that we take our role as one of the leading players in the Dutch heating market seriously," says Rob Maassen, country manager for the Netherlands of ATAG Verwarming. "We face numerous challenges. Think of shortages in materials, scarcity when it comes to installers and other good professionals, and the fact that people have to deal with relatively new technology. Take the heat pump. It has to be tuned to the specific conditions of a home. That's precision work. We've noticed in recent years that many installers and consumers like to have an expert to look over their shoulder if necessary. With the new training center, we now have a modern and future-proof location to train and support a new generation of installers."
New dealer model
With a new generation of installers comes a new dealer model, ATAG believes. To support installers who want to lead the way in energy transition, ATAG Heating introduces 'ATAG GreenDealer'. Installers who can call themselves GreenDealers can count on extra support when installing, adjusting and maintaining heat pump systems.
"We find that some installers are in danger of falling into a split," Maassen explains. "Due to lack of time, they are unable to devote enough attention to gaining knowledge about the technically often complicated heat pump installations. While they realize all too well that the demand for sustainable heating solutions is increasing. With this new dealer model, we want to relieve installers and at the same time help boost their service in the field of sustainability."
Comfort Services
This is why ATAG has set up what are known as ATAG Comfort Services. This is a comprehensive package of support services that meets the needs of installers who want to switch from central heating boilers to hybrid and electric heat pumps. The support focuses on the optimal installation, adjustment and monitoring of the heat pump. With the proprietary digital platform ATAG ProZone, heat pump malfunctions can be detected and resolved remotely.
Research has shown that there are different needs among installers when it comes to support. Therefore, Comfort Services have been divided into three variants. ATAG Commissioning Service (IBS) focuses on the optimal installation and adjustment of the heat pump. The second service package, ATAG OHC, focuses on maintenance and also comes in different variants, from a one-time check one year after installation including optimization of parameters, to a biannual visual and digital inspection and finally to inspection and maintenance by a specialized ATAG service technician.
"Energy transition creates both threats and opportunities"
The third service variant, ATAG ComfortConnect, uses remote monitoring and management to quickly detect malfunctions, often even before the installation itself indicates them. In this way, the installer can already take active action and, if necessary, order new parts even before a customer visit, so that the appliance quickly functions optimally again and he saves one trip. In addition, both the end user and the installer receive a digital report on the operation of the heat pump once a quarter. Exclusive to the ATAG GreenDealer is the ComfortConnect+ service, which combines ComfortConnect and commissioning.
New GreenDealers are also eligible for product training, are provided with ATAG-qualified leads and receive individual support. The existing dealer model under the name ATAG SelectDealer will continue as usual, but will focus less emphatically on sustainable heating solutions.
Maassen: "Because of the energy transition, there are huge opportunities that at the same time can also pose a threat to installers if they don't go along with that transition. ATAG GreenDealers get all the support they need to look to the future with confidence."
