Hybrid Heat Pumps
Best of both worlds. Combines a heat pump with your existing gas boiler for optimal efficiency and reliability.
What is a Hybrid Heat Pump?
A hybrid heat pump system combines an air source heat pump with your existing gas boiler. The system intelligently switches between the two based on outdoor temperature, energy prices, and heating demand to give you the most efficient and cost-effective heating.
On mild days, the heat pump handles all your heating needs efficiently. On very cold days, or when you need rapid heating, the gas boiler kicks in. This gives you the efficiency of a heat pump with the reliability and quick heat-up of a boiler.
Hybrid systems are perfect for properties that aren't quite ready for a full heat pump (perhaps due to insulation or radiator sizing) but want to reduce carbon emissions and future-proof their heating.
Benefits of Hybrid Heat Pumps
Flexibility
Automatically selects the most efficient heat source. Heat pump when mild, gas when very cold.
Lower Carbon
Reduce emissions by 40-60% compared to gas boiler alone, while maintaining backup heating.
Keep Your Boiler
Use your existing boiler as backup. Perfect if it's relatively new and you don't want to replace it.
No Radiator Upgrades
Often works with existing radiators as the boiler handles peak demand periods.
Lower Cost
Cheaper than full heat pump as you're keeping the boiler. Smaller heat pump needed too.
Future Ready
Transition to renewable heating gradually. Can remove boiler later when ready.
Hybrid Heat Pump Costs
Hybrid systems typically cost less than full heat pump installations as you're keeping your existing boiler and installing a smaller heat pump.
Total installation cost for hybrid system (smaller heat pump + controls + installation)
Note: Hybrid systems are not currently eligible for the £7,500 BUS grant. The grant only applies to full heat pump installations that replace fossil fuel heating entirely.
Is a Hybrid Heat Pump Right for You?
Best for:
- • Homes with existing gas boilers in good condition
- • Properties with adequate insulation but small radiators
- • Homeowners wanting to transition gradually to renewable heating
- • Those seeking backup heating security
- • Properties where full heat pump isn't feasible yet
Considerations:
- • No BUS grant available for hybrid systems
- • Still using some fossil fuels (though much less)
- • Two systems to maintain instead of one
- • Less carbon reduction than full heat pump
Considering a Hybrid System?
Speak to MCS certified installers about whether a hybrid or full heat pump is right for your property.