Increasing Supply Chain Engagement
The third critical area where most HPWH programs are deficient is their lack of engagement with the supply chain. In the case of HPWHs, the supply chain involves plumbing contractors, plumbing supply houses, distributors, and retailers. For decades, plumbers have installed two types of water heaters -- gas storage water heaters and electric resistance water heaters. More recently, after major public advertising campaigns and workforce training initiatives, plumbers have responded to consumer demand for gas tankless water heaters with their promise of "unlimited hot water." HPWHs, meanwhile, promise lots of hot water with serious savings, among other benefits. Still, among installers, awareness of the technology and value proposition is consistently low, and the same misperceptions exist that plumbers have around performance, servicing, and callbacks with HPWHs. The same applies to supply house and retailer staff in areas where utility programs and manufacturer representatives must provide installation and sales training. Successful HPWH programs engage consistently at every touch point in the supply chain.
