Hybrid heat pumps
Are you looking to go green with your heating but don’t want to get rid of your boiler?
A hybrid system may be a great option for you if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint but don’t want to lose out on the comfort from your current boiler. A hybrid heat pump system combines both an air source heat pump outside of your home with your regular boiler.
If you’re considering getting a hybrid heat pump system installed, we have everything you need to know about this greener heating system.
Hybrid heat pumps
A hybrid heat pump system combines two or more technologies to heat the water within your central heating system, typically this is done with a fossil fuel boiler (gas, LPG or oil) and an air source heat pump. In this system, an air source heat pump will typically heat your home 70-80% of the year, with the boiler taking over as a back-up when necessary.
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump transfers heat from the outside air and converts it into heat which can be used in central heating and hot water systems. They utilise a refrigerant circuit (like a fridge) to increase the temperatures to a level that can be used to provide heating and hot water for your home. Air source heat pumps are effective so that they can extract heat from the air even at temperatures as low as -15 °C.
The heat pump uses electricity, so it is not free to use and is not yet carbon neutral. However, it can run without the burning of fossil fuels inside your home, so can cut down on the amount of carbon emissions you are producing.
How does a hybrid system work?
In a hybrid system, the boiler will act as a backup and take over from the heat pump when extra heat is needed, or if the heat pump is running less efficiently during the winter. This allows you to reduce your household carbon footprint while ensuring comfort all year round.
What are the benefits of a hybrid heat pump system?
- Can enable your central heating system to work at a higher efficiency, even throughout the winter.
- Works well if you live in a larger home with a higher hot water demand – the boiler can jump in at any time to help with the extra heating.
- Some hybrid systems can be configured to switch between boiler and heat pump depending on the fuel prices – saving you money by using the cheaper option at the time.
- Has low maintenance – only needs a service check from an engineer once a year just like your boiler.
Could I keep my current boiler?
You could keep your current boiler when getting an air source heat pump installed, depending on the age of the boiler and how it will be adapted to add the pump into the system. When designing your new hybrid heating system, our expert team will be able to help you decide what the best option is for your home. You can call our Sales Team on 0800 731 33 44.
How much does a hybrid heat pump system cost?
Installation costs will depend on:
- Whether you are getting just the air source heat pump added to your current system, or you need a new boiler installed as well.
- How close the boiler is to the heat pump – new pipework may need to be fitted to connect them.
- What boiler you will have in the system. A regular boiler will require a hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank to be installed. Whereas a combi boiler will not need these as it generates the hot water on demand.
- What type of air source heat pump is needed for the size of your home.
Our experts will carry out the work to the highest standard.
All of our renewable engineers are MCS Certified. MCS is an industry-led quality assurance scheme, which demonstrates the quality and reliability of approved products and installation companies. With years of experience in installing heat pumps we can deliver the best air source heat pump system for your home.
If you would like to know more about hybrid heat pump systems and get a personalised quote, then please call our expert Sales Team on 0800 731 33 44 or complete the contact form on the right-hand side.