Hybrid heating explained: how boilers and heat pumps work together
Explore how hybrid heating systems bring together heat pumps and boilers to create an efficient way to keep your home cosy.
What is a hybrid heating system
A hybrid heating system brings together an air source heat pump, which gathers warmth from the air or ground, and a boiler to efficiently heat your home.
The system automatically selects the most efficient heat source for your home, depending on things like outdoor temperature and heating demand. This flexibility helps make sure your home stays warm and comfortable while reducing energy use and carbon emissions.
How does a hybrid heating system work?
On milder days, the heat pump takes care of warming your home and water, using heat from the air or ground to keep things cosy while helping reduce your carbon footprint. But when the weather turns colder and you need a little extra warmth, the gas or oil boiler steps in, making sure your home stays comfortable without putting too much strain on the heat pump.
This dynamic pairing helps your home with energy efficiency, saving you cash and carbon. Did you know, a hybrid heating system, combining an air source heat pump with a gas boiler, can reduce a typical UK household’s greenhouse gas emissions from heating by 30%(1).
Ready to explore how electric heating with a hybrid system can work for your home?
1. Types of hybrid heating systems
Hybrid heating systems come in a few different setups, let’s take a look at the main types:
| Heat pump type | Boiler type | How it works | Ideal for |
| Air source | Gas boiler | In milder weather, the air source heat pump heats your home efficiently. When it gets really cold, the gas boiler kicks in for a boost of warmth. | Areas with cold winters. |
| Air source | Oil boiler | Works just like the gas combo but uses oil instead. Saves oil by letting the heat pump handle most of the heating load. | Rural homes without access to gas. |
| Air source | Electric boiler | Fully electric setup, with no fossil fuels. The heat pump runs most of the time, with the electric boiler as backup. | Areas with clean electricity or solar. |
| Ground source | Gas boiler | Uses the Earth’s steady underground temperature for heating. A gas boiler steps in only when needed. | Larger homes in colder climates. |
| Ground source | Oil boiler | This combo provides steady heat from the ground, with oil as a backup when demand is high. | Remote homes. |
| Ground source | Electric boiler | Low carbon combo, especially when powered by renewable electricity. | Homeowners looking for a sustainable heating option. |
Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons to help you decide if a hybrid heating system is right for you.
Pros
- Energy efficiency: by using a heat pump as the primary source of heating, hybrid systems can significantly reduce your energy consumption. This is because heat pumps are incredibly efficient, an air source heat pump is 300%(2) more efficient than a standard gas boiler
- Cost savings: with that high efficiency, a heat pump generates more heat using less energy, meaning potential lower running costs for you in a hybrid system compared to a boiler alone.
- Reduced carbon footprint: by relying on renewable energy sources like air or ground heat, you reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned for heating.
- Reliable heating all year: hybrid systems automatically switch between the heat pump and the boiler with the weather, making sure you’re always comfortable.
Cons
- Upfront installation costs: the initial cost of installing a hybrid heating system can be higher than traditional systems, because it combines both a heat pump and a boiler, along with the parts needed to help them work smoothly together. Additionally, you won't qualify for the £7,500 Boiler upgrade scheme government grant to help with the cost of a heat pump.
- Space requirements: the system may require significant space for installation. Ground source systems, for example, need a sizable outdoor area for the pipes to be buried.
Maintenance costs: while hybrid systems are generally low maintenance, the heat pump and boiler components do require occasional servicing. Some homeowners may find maintenance costs a bit higher than with traditional heating systems, especially if repairs are needed.
3. How hybrid heating systems compare to other heating systems
| Hybrid heating system | Gas boiler | Air source heat pump | |
| How it works | Combines two heat sources (e.g., gas and electricity) and switches based on outside temperature. | Burns gas to heat water and circulate it through radiators or underfloor heating. | Extracts heat from the outside air and moves it inside. |
| Best suited for | Homes with mixed weather conditions or varying temperatures. | Cold climates where steady, high heat is needed. | Mild to cool climates, ideal for year round use. |
| Energy efficiency | Very efficient, adjusts to the most cost effective heat source. | Less efficient and vary in efficiency depending on the model; while a modern A-rated boiler operates at around 88%-94%, older D-G rated models can be as low as 70%. | Very efficient, even in cold weather. |
| Installation cost | Higher initial cost due to dual system setup and no government grant support. | Moderate installation cost, with the average cost to buy and install a new boiler is £3,000(3). | Moderate installation cost depending on the system size and air source heat pump grants. To give you an idea, the average cost of air source heat pump after grants is £4,850 for a 2 bedroom bungalow, £6,175 for a 3 bedroom semi detached or terraced home. |
| Running costs | Lower overall costs as it uses the most suitable heat source. | Running costs depend on efficiency. A-rated models are comparable to heat pumps, but older boilers can be more expensive. | Highly efficient with generally lower running costs, especially when you take advantage of a dedicated heat pump tariff. |
| Environmental impact | The heat pump will help reduce your carbon emissions, although it still uses some gas and partly depends on fossil fuels. | High emissions due to burning gas. | Low emissions, especially if powered by renewable energy. |
| Maintenance needs | Requires regular maintenance for both heat sources. | Needs yearly servicing and checks. | Requires annual servicing to ensure efficiency. |
Looking for an option to boost your home’s comfort?
Lower your carbon footprint and save on energy bills with an air source heat pump installation from EDF Heat Pumps, a Which? Trusted Trader. Prices start from £3,999(4)after the government grant (Price assumes reuse of a suitable existing hot water cylinder. Homes requiring a new cylinder will have an additional cost).
4. What homes are hybrid heating systems suitable for?
- Homes that aren't ready to make the complete switch to an air source heat pump
Hybrid heating systems are a great choice if you want better energy efficiency without committing to one method. A hybrid system offers a balance, combining the best of both worlds to keep your home comfortable and reduce carbon emissions.
- Homes with existing gas or oil boilers
If your home already has a gas or oil boiler, switching to a hybrid system can often be done with relatively little disruption. This setup allows you to retain your current boiler while adding a heat pump for increased efficiency.
- Homes with good insulation
While hybrid systems can work in many settings, they perform best in homes that are already well insulated. Good insulation helps retain heat, making the heat pump component more effective and efficient.
- Homes seeking energy efficiency and cost savings
A hybrid system can be a game changer for homeowners looking to reduce energy consumption and lower heating bills. By using a heat pump for most of the year, you take advantage of energy efficient heating, and only rely on the boiler when needed.
5. Are hybrid heating systems worth it?
Hybrid heating systems can be a great option for saving energy and staying comfortable, but they’re just one of many choices for your home. Depending on your home and budget, alternatives like an air source heat pump installation or a gas boiler upgrade might be a better fit.
At EDF, we’re dedicated to helping you explore all your heating choices to find the perfect match for your lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to an air source heat pump or a boiler, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Explore your energy deals with us today and make a confident decision that will keep your home comfortable for years to come.
6. Hybrid heat pump FAQs
Are hybrid heat pumps efficient?
Hybrid heat pumps are a highly energy efficient solution for your home. They combine the best of both worlds, using electricity when it’s most efficient and switching to gas when needed for extra warmth. In fact, an air source heat pump can be up to 300%(2) more efficient than a traditional gas boiler.
Do I need to upgrade my radiators on a hybrid heating system?
Hybrid systems combine both traditional and renewable heating sources, so your radiators may need to be adapted to handle different temperature ranges or work more efficiently with your system. If your current radiators are older or not performing well, for example, if they take longer to heat up or don't provide consistent warmth, it might be worth considering a radiator upgrade for better energy efficiency in your home.
Are certain homes not suitable for hybrid heating systems?
Yes, some homes may not be the best fit. Hybrid heating systems work best in homes with good insulation and enough space for both a heat pump and a boiler. However, if a hybrid system isn’t ideal, don't worry! You can still consider a standalone boiler or an air source heat pump, or even improve your insulation for better efficiency.
Does EDF offer hybrid heating systems?
While we don’t currently offer hybrid heating systems, we’re here to help you find the best heating solution for your home! Feel free to explore other options that are tailored for your home.
Do you need a specific energy tariff for homes with hybrid heating systems?
Not necessarily! Hybrid heating systems can work with most standard energy tariffs, but choosing one that offers flexible rates, like time-of-use or dual fuel tariffs, might help you save more. We recommend reviewing your usage patterns and finding the best option for your setup.
Do I need a specific boiler for a hybrid heating system?
In most cases, you don’t need a special boiler, just one that’s well maintained and sized correctly for your home. However, some hybrid systems work best with efficient boilers that can adjust how much heat they produce, so it's a good idea to check with your heating expert.
Is there a difference between a regular heat pump and a hybrid heat pump?
Yes, there is a difference! A regular heat pump works on its own to keep your home warm. A hybrid heating heat pump, on the other hand, is part of a system that also includes a boiler. The two work together, switching between electric and gas heating depending on what’s more efficient at the time.
Are hybrid heating systems eligible for government grants?
Unfortunately, hybrid heating systems do not qualify for government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. These grants typically require the heating system to be a standalone, low carbon solution, such as an air source heat pump.
Looking to switch to a more energy efficient option? You can still enjoy government support by choosing a system like an air source heat pump, which qualifies for government grants. It's a great way to lower your carbon footprint and cut your installation cost with help from a grant.
Interested in energy efficient heating?
Electric heating
Did you know that almost 30%(5) of the UK's total greenhouse emissions comes from heating our homes? Electric heating isn't only low carbon but could help you save energy and warm up your home more efficiently.
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