It is safe to say that the current economic climate has not been easy for the heating industry. Nonetheless, installers should not be put off by the economic downturn. They should not be discouraged and wait around hoping for the situation to get better. Installers have a number of opportunities available to them. It is just about spotting these opportunities and making the most of them.

Unfortunately many installers fail to recognise these opportunities that come to them and take advantage. One particular area is the radiator market. This area of the market has grown in popularity over a period of time and there are many products available.

With increasing investments in the social housing and public building works being made by the local government, there has been an increased demand in the specialist heating products which can cater for these specific areas.

Many household owners who were once thinking about moving house have now changed their minds and have set their goals on improving their homes instead. Consequently, household owners are now purchasing designer radiators and products, which offer them great style and high performance.

Many consumers are also concerned about cost-cutting, so they are looking at strategic ways to reduce their fuel bills. They see having an efficient heating system as a great way to cost-cut. Therefore consumers are increasingly finding ways to reduce fuel costs without having to invest greatly in thermostatic radiator valves and a high efficiency boiler.

The installer should listen carefully to the customer’s needs and wants, and provide them with a wide variety of options that will cater to these. This will encourage the customer to think carefully about the options available to them before coming to a decision.

Many customers often have the idea that radiators are drab and need to be hidden away. This perception is now slowly changing as more people are starting to see that the radiator can be decorative too and does not have to be hidden away. A good strategy would be to inform the consumer of this newly found perception and it could lead to the consumer making a purchase.

As an installer you should inform the customer about the wide choice they have available. You can have double-panelled radiators, single-panelled or one which is clear glass. Therefore it is possible to have a nice looking radiator even before you turn on the heating.

Towel warmers are also on the increase in popularity. They can come in a variety of models just like radiators. There are also a wide range of floor stand designs available, which allows for greater flexibility in your home design, and making your bathroom very stylish.

Rather than just being a dreary piece of appliance in your house, the radiator has the capacity to be just as stylish and trendy as any decorative piece in the house. As an installer, if you inform the customer of all these choices and knowledgeably recommend a product, you will be able to keep your business in check.

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about central heating, plumbers, plumber Cardiff, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.