Invermere’s diamond

Diamond Heating & Spas keeps the inhabitants of Invermere, B.C., cool in summer and warm in winter

(L-R) Rick Burke and Paul Digney are the owners of Diamond Heating & Spas in Invermere, B.C. — Photo courtesy Diamond Heating & Spas

Rick Burke and Paul Digney have owned Diamond Heating & Spas in downtown Invermere, B.C., since 2008.

Digney was hired by former owner John Dunnebacke in 1996, and soon earned his Red Seal journeyman sheet-metal worker certification. Burke started working there in 1998, as a stopgap while he looked for another business to get into. Burke and Digney said that they enjoy both the work itself and the upbeat nature of the work, and that’s why they’ve stayed with it.

“The people we meet are great, and they are usually excited about getting something new or upgraded in their home, so it’s a positive experience for everyone,” said Burke.

Progress brings more regulations

The technology in heating systems, fireplaces and hot tubs has changed considerably in the past 15 years, with a lot more rules, regulations and conditions that have to be met. Digney said that heating and ventilation efficiencies have changed also, as there are more demands for high-efficiency furnaces including heat pumps—the most efficient heating method.

“The fireplaces are high performance,” Burke said, “but you still have to be careful—you’re putting a box of fire inside a home, so you have to know what you’re doing and follow the parameters.”

Burke is WETT (Wood Energy Technical Training program) certified, and oversees the installation of fireplaces. Diamond Heating employs a team of Red Seal sheet-metal workers with HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) training, as well as hot tub service and maintenance technicians.

“That’s reassuring for the customer who hires us,” said Digney. “They can trust that we have the experience and training to do the job right.”

More focus on service

As the economy continues to be uncertain, many of the work requests coming to Diamond Heating & Spas are for repairs and maintenance of existing hot tubs and HVAC systems.

“The present economy means that there are fewer new builds,” said Burke, “so the service end of our business is important.”

Burke said that hot tubs continue to sell at a steady rate. The population in the Invermere area—even the senior component—is still an active one, and after a day of play they appreciate a restorative soak in their hot tub—especially if it’s one with a therapeutic system. It’s a comforting and valuable asset.

The partners agree that one of the biggest reasons for the company’s success is that they have a storefront in Invermere rather than just a service truck.

“We have a presence in the town,” Burke said. “We have nine employees and we’re open six days a week. People know that they can phone us or drop by when they have questions, and they will find someone who will talk with them and assist them.”