Tell me more about Hybrid Boilers

Hybrid systems can be more flexible than standalone heat pumps to accommodate a wider variety of property types, making them a viable option for less thermally efficient homes.

What is a hybrid boiler?

A hybrid boiler is the combination of a traditional boiler with a renewable system, such as an air source heat pump. It will automatically switch between the two energy sources depending on which is the most efficient at the time.

How do hybrid boilers work?

A hybrid boiler system intelligently monitors external temperature and calculates the most efficient and cost-effective method to heat your home and provide hot water, using a heat pump whenever possible.

The heat pump can extract warmth from the air or ground at very low temperatures, but the boiler will fire up if these temperatures drop too far and it’s more cost effective for the boiler to operate.

Because the property benefits from both methods of heating, hybrid boilers can be a helpful solution to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels without any change in the comfort level.

Benefits of using a hybrid boiler

If an air source heat pump alone isn’t enough to heat your property, there are benefits to installing a hybrid boiler. The system is ideal for all seasons, keeping your home cool in the summer months and warm throughout winter. The heat pumps function as a ‘reverse air conditioner’ to provide heat when needed. However, if external conditions are too harsh for this to meet requirements efficiently, then the boiler will kick in to make up the deficit. Because you are using two different methods of heating in tandem, and neither is relied on for constant use, by its very nature a hybrid system won’t need to work so hard and should have a longer lifespan.

Costs and savings

A hybrid boiler system typically has more of an initial cost than a traditional boiler. However, you will need to take into account the potential savings in the long term.

The cost of a hybrid boiler system

The cost of a new boiler for a three-bedroom semi-detached property can range from approximately £2,000 to £5,000, depending on the make and model.

If you are combining a boiler with an air source heat pump then you can expect to pay between £5,000 and £10,000, which includes installation. 

Potential savings

Air source heat pumps are designed to generate significantly more heat than the electricity required to run them. This combined heat pump should mean the traditional boiler system won’t be needed much of the time, so your requirements for oil or gas will be much lower

What’s the difference between a combi and hybrid boiler?

A combi boiler is a water heater and central heating boiler combined in one, so it does not require a hot water cylinder. A combi boiler will typically run off gas.

A hybrid boiler combines a traditional fossil fuel boiler with an air source heat pump to reduce the overall amount of fuel needed to heat the water required for heating the property and hot water. This system requires a suitable hot water cylinder.