What is a hybrid heat pump?
With homeowners caught between climate crises and energy bills that keep on rising, heat pumps check the boxes for cheap and eco-friendly heating; however, the steep upfront costs and lengthy and invasive installation are deterring potential buyers, with the comfort of their reliable boiler appearing more convenient. Hybrid heat pumps may offer a solution in helping to accommodate the jump between energy types, so let’s look at them in more detail.
Regular heat pumps
Heat pumps work by using the heat in the air and repurposing it for your domestic needs. Although it uses some electricity to get going, the transfer rate is around one unit of electricity for four units of heat on average, which is a far more efficient ratio than regular boilers.
There are many varieties of heat pumps, from water and ground to air source heat pumps, all of which are dependent on your home’s needs. Renewable energy specialists, such as GSM Limited, will provide guidance and advice on the ideal system, ensuring you find the best fit for your needs.
Best of both worlds
An estimated 15 million UK homes have combi boilers, with many distributing warmth and hot water around the house for decades. It is natural for an attachment to the boiler to develop in this time, especially after seeing us through the freezing wintry months. This is why a hybrid heat pump can satisfy all the needs of struggling homeowners.
Although the UK government hasn’t included hybrid heat pumps in its grant scheme which is seeking 600,000 heat pumps to be installed per year by 2028, it seems to be more amenable to including them to meet its ambitious end-of-year target.
Hybrid heat pumps allow the boiler and heat pump to operate simultaneously. The existing heating system remains largely the same, so the walls and piping don’t need to be ripped apart, but the heat pump seamlessly integrates into your home’s heating. The boiler mostly contributes to the hot water but can kick in during extremely cold conditions or if the heat pump should otherwise fall short.
