Toshiba Air Conditioning, which introduced the industry’s first seven year warranty, has launched a new warranty scheme based on installer skills and competence.

Director and general manager, David Dunn (pictured), said: “The industry’s approach to warranty cover has traditionally been based on how much a customer spends with the manufacturer. This is unhelpful and illogical, as in practical terms what matters for warranty purposes is the technical proficiency of the installer, and how competent they are in carrying out installation, commissioning and on-going servicing of the equipment.

“The new Toshiba scheme recognises this, and gives proper weight to the level of technical training and competence of installers, translating this into a commensurate level of warranty cover.”

Under the new scheme, to achieve the highest level of cover – a seven year enhanced warranty – installers must be F-Gas registered, have successfully completed three relevant Toshiba training courses and file commissioning and maintenance reports for a project online.

The next level down, standard seven year cover, requires installers to be F-Gas registered and have completed three relevant Toshiba training courses. F-Gas registered contractors who have not undertaken three Toshiba training courses will receive standard five year warranty cover.

The three warranty bands relate to three tiers of Toshiba installer: T7 Enhanced Warranty Partners, T7 Approved Warranty Partners, and T5 Registered Installers. Each is able to offer customers the relevant level of warranty cover for equipment installed by them.

David Dunn added: “Linking warranties to competence is a completely sensible approach. Our aim is to incentivise installers to raise their game by taking advantage of Toshiba’s training programme to improve their knowledge and skills.”

Courses are available in all aspects of installing, commissioning and servicing equipment, including system design. The company is currently extending its network of training centres into the South West to complete nationwide coverage.

David Dunn added: “Improving skill levels is a key strategic issue for the industry. As a leading manufacturer we are committed to playing our part to help achieve this. It is obviously in our interests as a manufacturer to raise the level of technical proficiency among contractors, but also opens up new opportunities for installers while delivering major benefits to end users. The new Toshiba scheme will hopefully stimulate progress in this area and raise the bar for the industry as a whole, to the benefit of all.”