Hybrids deliver on all fronts

The government is making a big push to fit heat pumps in the majority of UK homes, but many existing properties might not be suitable for just this one single heat source. That’s where a hybrid approach comes in, explains Dan Wilden from Alpha, who says that a boiler and heat pump combo can deliver on energy efficiency and carbon reduction as well as comfort and reduced heating bills.

hot water means that the householder benefits from low carbon heat pump heating, with on-tap hot water from the gas boiler.

Best price pick

Dan Wilden Renewable product manager at Alpha Heating Innovation

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of a hybrid boiler/heat pump approach is that the system can be set up to switch automatically between fuels, selecting the most efficient option. Given the current situation with energy price rises, most homeowners will benefit from a system that provides their hot water and heating at the best price all the time.

A further welcome factor will be that they can retain the use of their existing radiators when installing a hybrid option –whereas switching entirely to a heat pump heating system can require an upgrade to larger and more efficient radiator models to ensure that the system operates effectively.

The UK government has set a goal of installing 600,000 heat pumps per year from 2028 onwards. We can’t achieve this number through installations in new homes alone. As a result, installers on the front line of the domestic heating sector will be helping to deliver on this tough objective. An approach that can introduce new technology alongside the familiar boiler should make this easier to achieve.

Well informed

With the hybrid boiler/heat pump approach, it is vital for installers to understand the requirements of this sort of system; they will need to ensure that it is set up correctly for optimum performance. Alpha is providing installers the information and advice they need to help homeowners embrace the new technologies and their benefits. Our website provides useful FAQs to help answer common installer questions, and our experts are here to provide technical advice. Although switching away from the gas boiler is a challenge, it also provides an opportunity for installers to extend their business into new areas. ◼