If you’re looking to make the switch to more sustainable, low carbon heating then heat pumps are probably what you’ve been researching the most. While they’re an ideal solution for moving toward ‘greener’ heating, many homeowners still have questions over whether heat pumps are right for their home.
Of course, they’re not the only option on the market. Hybrid systems play a vital role in opening up more options for homes which might not be suitable for full heat pump installations.
Hybrid systems like the Alpha E-Tec Hybrid combine the efficiency of a heat pump with instantaneous hot water from a combi boiler. Because of the linked hybrid combi boiler, there’s no need for a hot water tank nor any changes to your pipework. You get the familiarity of the boiler with the benefit of a heat pump.
Concluding whether a heat pump or hybrid system is right for you isn’t always straightforward. Factor in the different types of pumps and other options, and it becomes a minefield.
Understanding the options.
Before making the choice between a hybrid system and heat pump, it’s worth asking yourself these questions:
- “What space do I have around my home?” If you’re in a semi-detached or terraced home and space is limited, then a heat pump might be a struggle. In this case the Hybrid might be a better solution. If you’re in a larger semi- or detached home, then space likely isn’t an issue and a heat pump could be a great choice.
- “How is my home currently heated?” If you’re using a combi boiler then you’ll need extensive work to get your home heat pump ready. New pipework and radiators to handle the different heat flow could be needed. A hybrid avoids this disruption and can replace your existing combi. If you’ve a system boiler with a hot water cylinder, then your home is already one step closer to being heat pump ready.
- “Is my home insulated enough?” This is a really important question if you’re thinking of a heat pump as they will be most efficient in homes with good insulation. Under-insulated homes will force the heat pump to work harder, costing you more in the long run. It’s worth checking your insulation regardless of your boiler choice as it’s an effective way to lower your heating bills and stay comfortable.
- “Am I comfortable with the heating being on lower but for longer?” Heat pumps heat your home in a steady, comfortable fashion. There’s no ‘blasting the heating for an hour’. With a hybrid system, the heat pump behaves like this too, but the addition of a combi boiler means when the heating demand is greater in colder weather, the combi can take over to meet demand.
- “Is all-electric heating right for me?” It can be a big change to turn off gas completely. For many homeowners, the cost of electricity is a worry. While there are ways to mitigate this (solar panels for example) it can still be daunting. The E-Tec Hybrid strikes a balance between gas and electric with the Smartech controller choosing the cheaper fuel source to meet your heating needs.
There are plenty of other factors to consider, however these are an effective starting point in understanding the options available to you. Both heat pumps and hybrids are a great way to sustainably heat your home, and should you need any help in making the decision then you can contact us here to discuss with one of our experts.
For more information visit our FAQs section, which answers common queries including the types of heat pumps and noise levels.
Contact us today for more information on the benefits of a hybrid heating system or view our products including the E-Tec Hybrid or Custom Hybrid solutions.