It may seem that making the decision to install a heat pump means moving away from gas altogether. In fact, it is possible to use a heat pump alongside a gas (or LPG/oil) boiler.
This approach is a good idea for homeowners who would like to benefit from renewable energy with a heat pump, but who do not want to move away entirely from the convenience of a gas boiler. And if your home is off the gas grid, this approach is also suitable with an LPG or oil boiler.
For example, in a dual system, the heat pump could provide the heating, while the boiler produces hot water. An added advantage is that if you have a combi gas boiler, there would be no need to install a water cylinder in the home for hot water production (as there would be with a heat pump-only system).
Using a heat pump and boiler in tandem is also a useful option for homes that have a high heating demand. This could be because it’s a large house, or perhaps one that is difficult to insulate (if it’s an old building, for example). For this type of property, including a boiler in the system means that during times of peak demand, in cold weather for example, the boiler can boost the heating in your home – keeping it comfortable.
Another option to consider is that it’s possible to include solar photovoltaics (PVs) in this approach, as they can provide a proportion of the electricity for the heat pump element of system – reducing your home’s grid electricity consumption and energy costs, as well as reducing your carbon footprint further.
With the hybrid boiler/heat pump approach it’s vital to work with an installer who understands the requirements of this sort of system. They will ensure that it’s set up correctly for optimum performance.