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3 Things Installers Told Us at InstallerSHOW last year
Across hundreds of conversations on the show floor that Lorefully captured, installers were aligned with the industry direction on heat pumps and electrification, but many admitted they still lack the confidence to install new technologies repeatedly and at scale. This isn’t a rejection of the tech. It’s a reflection of a skills and support gap. Installers want to get it right first time, not learn on the customer’s dime.
1. Innovation is welcome. But installability still decides what gets specified next time.
“It looks good in the brochure, but you try wiring that controller once it’s on the wall.”
That gap between design and reality came up repeatedly. Products that assume perfect wall space. Instructions that assume ideal lighting and time. Interfaces that assume the user enjoys scrolling through menus.
Another installer was blunt:
“Why are we still seeing connections that need specialist spanners? Everything should be designed for standard tools.”
This is not resistance to change. It is a demand for respect. Installers want manufacturers to design around the environments they actually work in. Cupboards. Loft spaces. Tight plant rooms. Retrofit chaos.
Product design still matters most because it determines whether a job runs smoothly or spirals into delay.
2. Time Is the Real Metric
Manufacturers often talk about performance metrics. Installers talk about time.
Time to mount.
Time to wire.
Time to commission.
Time to fill in compliance forms.
One installer put it simply:
“The paperwork side of commissioning takes as long as the install.”
Another added:
“Massive opportunity for heat pumps, but if it slows down the team, then it’s hard to justify.”
That is the commercial reality. If a product adds friction, it adds cost. If it increases callback risk, it reduces margin. Reliability and clarity will always beat novelty.
3. Installers Want to Be Involved
Perhaps the most important theme was not technical at all.
“Decisions get made by people who don’t do the work.”
Installers want their experience factored in early. They want prototypes tested in real homes. They want manuals reviewed by someone wearing gloves on site. They want to be treated as partners in the transition.
They also take pride in what they do.
“I’ve learned from every install, and we take pride in getting it right.”
That pride is an asset for manufacturers. But it needs to be supported, not undermined by avoidable design flaws.
When installers gather in one place, they speak honestly about what works and what does not. They talk about time pressure. Customer expectations. Product frustrations. Small design improvements that would make a big difference.
For exhibitors, that is strategic intelligence.
At Lorefully, we structure and surface that frontline insight. We help brands turn installer voice into sharper product development, stronger marketing content and clearer positioning.
If you are investing in InstallerSHOW, the question is simple. Are you just exhibiting, or are you learning?
As a key insights supplier, we can help you find answers to your product and brand questions at InstallerSHOW 2026, but also add capacity to your Stand Team. Reach out to book a demo.