Working together on sustainable heating solutions

Installers embracing the energy transition

ATAG originally began as a manufacturer of central heating boilers. The call for sustainability resulted in an increasing focus on reducing CO2 emissions. The heat pump was given a prominent role. As an installer you can now become an ATAG GreenDealer. You are then at the forefront of sustainable heating solutions.

"There are three steps to sustainability," says Jan Henk van der Wijk, marketing and communications manager at ATAG. "First, you can replace an old-fashioned vr boiler with a hr boiler. The second step is to install a hybrid system, where the new or existing boiler and heat pump work together. The third step is all-electric, no longer using natural gas. We offer all these products and are constantly developing. Naturally, all our products comply with laws and regulations and we keep up with developments. For example, currently all heat pumps are equipped with R32 refrigerant and other refrigerant solutions are being worked on."

Installers of ATAG products are called Dealers. At ATAG, they know two types of dealers: SelectDealers and GreenDealers. GreenDealers specialize in heat pumps and other forms of sustainable heating. ATAG supports them under the name ATAG Comfort Services with programs that make installation easier. "Dealers don't have a contract with us and we don't expect them to be brand dependent," Van der Wijk clarifies. "We enter into a partnership where we provide them with information, qualified leads and support so that they know how to properly sell and install our products."

Different method of installation

GreenDealers consist of a new group of installers who deal primarily with heat pumps. This requires a different method of installation than a traditional boiler and takes more time. On top of that, consumers often have many questions. "GreenDealers are embracing the energy transition and defining the future of ATAG," says Van der Wijk. "Installing Holland is being trained to lead the transition in the right direction. We are happy to help with that. There is a huge demand for heat pumps and there are too few installers. We are helping to speed up installation and we want to get people excited." 

Remote management and new training center

To make this happen, ATAG offers both online and on-site product and sales training. There the installer learns to assemble, commission and maintain a heat pump. A large training center will open in Lichtenvoorde on October 6, where people can work with physical setups. Up to eighteen people can be trained there per day. For ATAG Dealers, these training sessions are free of charge.

In addition to these training courses, an eye-catching part of Comfort Services is ATAG ComfortConnect. Via the ProZone platform, remote management and online monitoring of installed systems is possible. This allows installations to be adjusted remotely. Van der Wijk: "Faults become visible online and as an installer you have to drive less. If you do have to go on the road, you know what is going on and which parts you need to take with you. This way we accelerate the energy transition."

Helping each other along the way

Any enthusiastic, qualified installer can become an ATAG Dealer. However, ATAG would like your installer to post on the website that you are a GreenDealer and to communicate the product range. You must also be open to the ProZone platform and attend training courses so that you know how to install the products. When required, ATAG provides qualified leads to its installers. Consumers who come to it for a heat pump, it then directs them to its installers. "We expect those leads to be followed up competently, because we want the best for our consumers. This creates a basis for a pleasant cooperation in which we help each other along the way," Van der Wijk said.