According to the North Rhine-Westphalia heating cost index, around 90 percent of households paid too much for heating energy in 2024. (Photo: © Ralf Kalytta/123RF.com)

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Action Days in Boiler Rooms: Positive Interim Results

Craft policy

July 2026

The plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (SHK) industry in North Rhine-Westphalia has drawn a positive interim conclusion regarding the "Boiler Room Action Days." Eight consumer information events took place by the end of June.

The first phase of North Rhine-Westphalia's "Boiler Room of the Future" campaign has concluded. Between May 9th and June 24th, eight information events were held for consumers. The initiative was launched by the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Economic Affairs . The North Rhine-Westphalia Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Association (SHK NRW ), a partner in the project, has drawn a positive interim conclusion: "The booth of the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning trade association was well-attended at all events. A big thank you to the guilds and the dedicated specialist companies that answered visitors' questions," said Natascha Daams, Head of Communications at the SHK NRW.

Demand for heat pumps remains stable, and many specialist companies are operating at full capacity. However, the technology requires more intensive consultation than previous heating systems. Significant savings potential still exists in North Rhine-Westphalia's existing buildings: According to the North Rhine-Westphalia Heating Cost Index, around 90 percent of households were paying too much for heating energy in 2024, averaging about 400 euros per year per living space. The focus was on questions regarding implementation in individual buildings and available funding opportunities.

Supporting the energy transition

"As a signatory of the 'Boiler Room of the Future' declaration of intent and a partner of the 'Warm North Rhine-Westphalia' initiative, we as a trade association actively support the energy transition at the political level and promote access to qualified advice," explains Susan Meurer, acting managing director of the North Rhine-Westphalia Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Association. "This is the core task of our trade and our specialist companies – today and in the future."

The event format includes presentations, consultations at information booths, and tours of manufacturers' exhibition trucks. Participants included regional specialist companies, electrical contractors, chimney sweeps, the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center, building energy consultants, engineers, master craftsmen from North Rhine-Westphalia, the North Rhine-Westphalia Homeowners' Association, municipal utilities, financial institutions, local authorities, and various manufacturers. Sixteen event days are planned for this year in North Rhine-Westphalia. The second round begins in September.