A recent installation of the Alpha Custom Hybrid system in Belfast is helping to support an ongoing trial demonstrating the benefits of hybrid systems in real homes and in the transition to lower-carbon home heating.
The hybrid heat pump solution has been installed in Belfast as part of an ongoing trial by Phoenix Energy NI, designed to compare hybrid system performance using advanced monitoring.
Refresh NI carried out the installation in a large, detached home with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and an ensuite, providing additional insights into how hybrid systems perform in larger residential properties.
Due to the size of the property and its heat demand, the Magis M heat pump was selected and will cover the full heat loss of the property. It is paired with an E-Tec 28NX combination boiler that will provide hot water.
This latest installation forms part of Phoenix Energy NI’s continued evaluation of hybrid heating technology. Using an OpenTherm monitoring kit, the trial enables detailed comparison between the previously trialled E-Tec Hybrid system and the new Alpha Custom Hybrid configuration.
By analysing performance data from both systems, Phoenix Energy NI aims to better understand how hybrid solutions can optimise efficiency, reduce emissions and support homeowners transitioning to renewable heating technology.
Hybrid systems combine the strengths of both a heat pump and a high-efficiency gas boiler, automatically selecting the most efficient energy source depending on demand and conditions. This approach can provide a practical pathway for reducing carbon emissions while maintaining reliable heating performance in a range of property types.
This installation builds on previous work carried out as part of the hybrid heating trial programme, which has already demonstrated the potential benefits of hybrid systems in real homes.
As monitoring continues, the data gathered will help shape future hybrid heating strategies and provide valuable insights into how these systems perform in everyday use.
If you need help with a heating system upgrade, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to offer advice on the best solution.