Hybrid heat pumps

Because a hybrid system combines a heat pump and a boiler, you get the best of both worlds; the efficiency and reduced carbon from the heat pump, as well as the power and reliability of a boiler to back it up. The improved efficiency compared to a boiler alone could save you up to £840 a year on your energy bills! Unlike a standalone heat pump, a hybrid system doesn’t require a separate hot water cylinder or buffer tank, which saves on the indoor space required for the installation. Additionally, hybrid heat pump systems can work effectively with existing radiators and pipework, potentially saving on upgrades that could be required for an efficient standalone heat pump installation.

Depending on the make, model, and type of boiler you currently have installed, you may be able to upgrade your existing system to a hybrid one. For example, if you have a Worcester Bosch boiler that’s a Greenstar 8000, Greenstar 4000 or Greenstar CDi Compact, you can keep your currently boiler and upgrade the system to a hybrid one.

Unlike standalone heat pumps, hybrid heat pumps don’t currently qualify for the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides grants of up to £7,500 to homeowners in England and Wales to replace fossil fuel heating systems.

The heat pump element of a hybrid system can reach as much as 400% efficiency under the right circumstances, alongside the A-rated boiler being over 90% efficient. The exact efficiency reached depends on your home and how often the system relied on the boiler vs the heat pump to meet your heating needs.