At Alpha, we’re trying to help homeowners understand the best heating solution for them whilst thinking about the planet too. With that in mind, we have outlined all you need to know about hybrid heating which is an ideal first step towards making your home heating greener.
Whilst the UK moves towards the goal of becoming net zero by 2050, most homeowners will have become aware of heat pumps – the new, eco-friendly way to heat your home. With the Government providing grants of £7,500 to anyone who installs a heat pump, the push for this new technology is clear.
Meanwhile confusion around the new technology and how it works, as well as concern for the true cost of installing and running a heat pump, has resulted in many erring on the side of caution and opting for a gas combi boiler instead.
Q: What is a hybrid heat pump system?
For customers who do not want to move entirely away from a boiler, a hybrid system is an ideal option. It uses a heat pump in combination with a gas boiler, or for those off the gas grid they can work with LPG too.
In a hybrid system, the heat pump can provide the heating while the boiler produces hot water on demand. This removes the challenge of adding a water cylinder – which would be required with a solely heat pump system – since a gas combi-boiler could still provide hot water when needed.
Q: Will a hybrid heating system work for me?
Hybrid systems work for almost anyone – as long as you have an existing gas or oil heating system (or are able to install one).
Using a heat pump and boiler in tandem is a good option for a home with high heating demand, such as homes containing large families, or even older properties. For this type of property, including a boiler in the system, means that during peak demand or in cold weather, for example, the boiler can boost the heating in your home, keeping it comfortable.
Q: How much will a hybrid system cost me to install in comparison to a heat pump?
A heat pump system can cost anything from £10,000 to £20,000 depending on the size of the property and thus the heat pump system required. An Alpha hybrid system meanwhile will often cost £5,000 to £10,000.
Q: Is there any grant funding for hybrid heating systems as well as heat pumps?
Unfortunately, no. The Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies solely to heat pump only systems. At Alpha we have lobbied for this to change as we see hybrid systems as a really effective step forward towards making UK homes greener and understand many homeowners’ uncertainty around switching entirely from a gas or oil system, and the costs associated with this.
Q: Can anyone install a hybrid heat pump for me?
When installing a hybrid heat pump, it’s vital to work with an installer who understands the requirements of this system to ensure that it’s set up for optimum performance and can handover to you with all the necessary information on how to run the system effectively.
Alpha works with a nationwide network of gas engineers and installers, many of whom have undertaken further training in installing renewable heating systems.