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Hybrid Heat Pump


Hybrid heat pumps offer the best of heat pumps and gas boiler. Smart
internal controls ensure the most cost-effective fuel is used at all times.


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Hybrid Heat Pump

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Hybrid heat pumps are an innovative solution that combines the best of both worlds: a small air source heat pump and a traditional combination boiler. These systems are designed to switch between using electricity and gas, optimising energy efficiency based on the most cost-effective fuel source at any given time. Here’s an in-depth look at how hybrid heat pumps work, their pros and cons, and why they might be the right choice for your home.

What is a Hybrid Heat Pump?

A hybrid heat pump system integrates an air source heat pump with a conventional gas or oil boiler. The system intelligently decides whether to use the heat pump or the boiler, depending on external temperatures and energy prices. For example, when electricity is cheaper and the outdoor temperature is mild, the heat pump takes over. When it’s colder, or electricity prices rise, the system switches to the boiler for more efficient heating.

Popular models include the Alpha E-Tec Hybrid and the Worcester Compress 5800i. These systems can effectively heat your home while significantly reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills.

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Pros of Hybrid Heat Pumps

  1. Energy Efficiency: Hybrid systems ensure optimal efficiency by using the most cost-effective energy source, potentially lowering your energy bills by up to 30%.
  2. Reduced Carbon Footprint: By relying more on renewable energy (via the heat pump) and less on fossil fuels, hybrid systems contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. Flexibility: The system automatically switches between the heat pump and the boiler, ensuring your home is always heated in the most efficient way possible.
  4. Comfort: Hybrid systems provide consistent and reliable heating, even in extremely cold weather, where a standalone heat pump might struggle.
  5. Eligibility for Grants: Homeowners can receive up to £7,500 off the installation of a hybrid heat pump through the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), making this option even more attractive.

Cons of Hybrid Heat Pumps

  1. Initial Costs: Although grants are available, the upfront cost of a hybrid heat pump system can be higher than a conventional boiler installation.
  2. Complex Installation: Installing a hybrid system requires integrating two technologies, which can be more complex and time-consuming compared to installing a single heating system.
  3. Maintenance Requirements: With two systems in one, hybrid heat pumps may require more regular maintenance to ensure both the heat pump and boiler operate efficiently.
  4. Dependence on Fuel Prices: While hybrid systems are designed to optimise fuel use, fluctuations in electricity and gas prices can impact the overall savings.

Eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers homeowners up to £7,500 to install energy-efficient heating systems, including hybrid heat pumps. This grant significantly reduces the initial installation cost, making hybrid systems a more affordable and sustainable option for many homes.

Is a Hybrid air source heat pump suitable for my house?

Unlike a standard air source heat pump a hybrid system can fit into more people’s homes, and often for cheaper.

With a standrd heat pump, you may need to consider all new pipework and radiators along with new and improved insulation. With a hybrid system, the heat pump and gas boiler work together to ensure the most cost effective heating and hot water.

For example, the system could use the heat pump in it’s most efficient running mode to raise the temperature of your heating system by 10 degrees whilst the boiler raises the water the remaining 25 degrees. This may not sound impressive, but a gas boiler working at a highly reduced output will save a lot of money.

Go through our quote form to give us some details and we’ll call you back go through what is possible in your property.

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Our Air Source Heat Pump Range

Alpha E-Tec Hybrid - Alternative to gas boiler | Boilerhut

Hybrid E-Tec Boiler and Heat Pump

  • 4kW Heat Pump and 33kW Boiler
  • Warranty: 5 Years
  • Modulates As Low As 500w
  • 1-day Installation
  • Not Eligible For Grant
Read more about Alpha’s Hybrid
Get Your Fixed Price Quote
CS5800i Hybrid Heat Pump and Boiler - Boilerhut

Compress 5800i Hybrid Heat Pump

  • Cost-efficient
  • Space saving
  • Low carbon
Get Your Fixed Price Quote

Frequently asked questions

If you have chosen an air source heat pump to heat your property and water you will see an increase in electricity usage. But it also means that if you were heating your home before, gas, LPG, oil etc will now cost you nothing.

In order to keep air source heat pumps efficient you will need to keep the radiator/heating water temperatures low, at around 40 degrees C. If the system needs to work harder than that, maybe you’ve underpowered the instal or turned up the flow temperatures, the heat pump will need to work much harder – using a lot more electricity.

Considering factors like efficiency, energy consumption, and coefficient of performance (COP), an air-source heat pump can present a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for home heating compared to gas or oil boilers. But, this only takes into account the air source heat pump installation, it won’t take into account upgrading your home (insulation, radiators, pipework) if this needs doing.

Yes, heat pumps excel in efficiency when operating at lower temperatures, aligning perfectly with underfloor heating systems, which require relatively low flow temperatures compared to radiators.

Yes, if the model allows for the switch after installation. Most Viessmann air source heat pumps have cooling built in.

Air source heat pumps function by absorbing external air, which is then compressed and passed through a coil. This coil elevates the temperature of the air, which is subsequently circulated throughout your house to provide heating.

More Information About Air Source Heat Pumps

Gas, LPG and Oil Boiler Information…

Frequently asked questions

Yes, in the right property. They work very well and although expensive will last a long time and remove reliance on fossil fuels.

When installed correctly and following the MCS guidelines (see our air source heat pump regulations guide for more information >) your home will be heavily insulated and the heating system will not have to work too hard, no matter the weather. If you upgraded your home as part of the heat pump installation you will save money due to reduced heat loss in the home and lower requirements on the heat pump.

If your home is already heavily insulated, your energy bills may initially be higher with a heat pump compared to a gas boiler because electricity costs more than gas. However, the long-term savings are significant. Air source heat pumps typically last for at least 20 years, whereas gas boilers typically need replacing after 10-15 years.

This extended lifespan, coupled with the efficiency of heat pumps, leads to lower overall costs over the lifetime of the system.

A few disadvantages:

  • It’s visible outside the property.
  • They’re quiet, but not 100% silent.
  • Needs a very well-insulated property.
  • High initial installation costs.

If you have chosen an air source heat pump to heat your property and water you will see an increase in electricity usage. But it also means that if you were heating your home before, gas, LPG, oil etc will now cost you nothing.

In order to keep air source heat pumps efficient you will need to keep the radiator/heating water temperatures low, at around 40 degrees C. If the system needs to work harder than that, maybe you’ve underpowered the instal or turned up the flow temperatures, the heat pump will need to work much harder – using a lot more electricity.

Air source heat pumps generally produce between 40 and 70 decibels, which falls within the range of low to average noise levels. This is comparable to the noise generated by a dishwasher or microwave. Current building regulations stipulate that an air source heat pump must not exceed 45 decibels when one meter away from a neighbour’s window.

Considering factors like efficiency, energy consumption, and coefficient of performance (COP), an air-source heat pump can present a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for home heating compared to gas or oil boilers. But, this only takes into account the air source heat pump installation, it won’t take into account upgrading your home (insulation, radiators, pipework) if this needs doing.

Yes, heat pumps excel in efficiency when operating at lower temperatures, aligning perfectly with underfloor heating systems, which require relatively low flow temperatures compared to radiators.

Yes, if the model allows for the switch after installation. Most Viessmann air source heat pumps have cooling built in.

You will require an outdoor space adjacent to your home where a unit can be mounted on a wall or positioned on the ground. It’s important to ensure there is ample space surrounding it to facilitate proper air circulation.

This is a big question. We specialise in Viessmann and sometimes the Alpha Hybrid systems. Viessmann produces a premium, high-quality product.

The price for an air source heat pump typically varies between £10,000 and £20,000. This is a big range, we understand. In order to get you a good and accurate quote please fill out our quote form and we’ll contact you back.

Air source heat pumps function by absorbing external air, which is then compressed and passed through a coil. This coil elevates the temperature of the air, which is subsequently circulated throughout your house to provide heating.

More Information About Air Source Heat Pumps

Gas, LPG and Oil Boiler Information…

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