Hybrid Heat Pump: Is It Right For Your Home?

Hybrid Heat Pumps Explained

If you’re looking to improve the efficiency of your home and reduce outgoings during the cost of living crisis and beyond, you may be looking for heating systems that are different from your traditional gas or oil boiler. Air source heat pumps are a great alternative, using air from the environment to heat your property – but a hybrid heat pump solution is also available. This uses two heat sources – typically a heat pump and a boiler – in order to achieve more economical results and lower energy bills. In the push towards net zero, hybrid heat pump installers are sure to be run off their feet. But is this heating system right for your home? Let’s take a closer look.

What is a Hybrid Heat Pump?

A hybrid heat pump can be a single product. This means both the pump and the boiler have been produced together and are designed to work in unison. Alternatively, a heat pump can be installed to work alongside your existing boiler. Many people choose this option if they’ve recently had a new boiler installation or simply want to try out the addition of a heat pump.

Are There Different Types of Air Pump?

The first type of heat pump available is an air source heat pump. This absorbs and extracts heat from the surrounding air, which then heats up the refrigerant liquid and turns it into a gas. This gas is then transferred into your home via a heat exchanger and circulation pump. The second type of heat pump is a ground source heat pump. This draws its heat from the ground via a large closed-loop network of pipes buried horizontally in the ground or placed in vertical boreholes.

How Does a Hybrid Air Pump Work?

A hybrid heat pump will change between the two different heat sources in order to deliver the most economical performance possible. Predetermined settings can also help you tailor your heating solution. For example, while the boiler might provide hot water, the heat pump can be used for heating your property. This helps to lower fossil fuel consumption and keeps bills to a minimum. If the outside temperature is ideal, the heat pump will operate to keep your home warm, and energy use low. But if temperatures plummet, the boiler can kick in to generate the heat needed for those super chilly days.

A hybrid system essentially means that neither the boiler nor the heat pump need to work overly hard and can instead balance each other out to ensure you stay as comfortable as possible.

Is a Hybrid Heat Pump Worth It?

If you’re wondering if a hybrid heat pump is worth it or not, there are several things to keep in mind. While you’ll pay for the initial product and installation, hybrid heat pumps could save you a fortune down the line, especially with energy costs being so high. This is particularly true if you plan on simply using your boiler as a backup but want the heat pump to essentially provide eco-friendly warmth for the majority of the year. With a hybrid system, you can also decide whether to prioritise running costs or emissions. This will impact the settings of your hybrid system, but it’ll put you in control over energy usage.

With regard to finances, a hybrid heat pump might also be worth it, considering that many households are eligible for grant funding to help cover the cost of a new hybrid heating system. This is in line with the government’s plans to actively reduce carbon emissions produced by the UK. Financial help will, indeed, make the hybrid heat pump seem more appealing.

What is the Difference Between a Heat Pump and a Hybrid Heat Pump?

A regular heat pump is often used by itself to provide hot water and heat homes. This means that a lot of pressure is on the heat pump to perform – even when temperatures drop below zero. In contrast, a hybrid heat pump combines a heat pump with a boiler so that both can work together to provide an efficient, low-cost and longer-lasting heating system. Hybrid heat pumps are great for anyone looking to make a switch to greener energy. They’re also ideal for those who want to try an eco-friendly option, without losing the safety and familiarity of a traditional boiler. We’re all being encouraged to live a more economical lifestyle, but the transition must be practical for each and every household.

What are the Advantages of a Hybrid Heat Pump?

There are many benefits to hybrid heat pump installation. Firstly, they make your home more efficient as the right heating source is used in each temperature and weather condition. This means you won’t have to rely solely on fossil fuels when you don’t have to. Indeed, hybrids could reduce gas consumption by up to 70%, which is great news for anyone looking to save pennies while keeping their home at a comfortable temperature. Essentially, you could rely on the heat pump all year round to kick in when needed and only set the boiler to come on when it’s particularly cold.

Longevity is also a benefit. As the pressure is off both systems to perform solo, the hybrid system is likely to last for a long time. Maintenance is also simple, with a hybrid setup ensuring your heating solution doesn’t become inefficient or prone to breakdowns. Both systems should be in good health for annual servicing.

Do Hybrid Heat Pumps Require Maintenance?

Hybrid heat pumps should be serviced annually. Qualified heating engineers can inspect your boiler and make sure the heat pump is working as it should. From removing debris to cleaning parts, a quick service could improve the overall efficiency of both elements of your system.

Interested in a hybrid heat pump installation? Then speak to Aura Heating today. We’re experts in improving household efficiency and understand the ins and outs of new hybrid systems.