Hybrid Heat Pumps
The term ‘hybrid’ refers to an appliance or a system of appliances which combines at least two different energy sources and whose operation is managed by one control. The most common product is the hybrid heat pump, which combines an electric heat pump with a condensing boiler.
How does a hybrid heat pump work? Based on pre-set preferences chosen by users (e.g. minimise CO2 emissions or running costs), the hybrid’s control will select the most appropriate operation mode for the heater in a given building, climate zone, and current energy prices.
This reliance on two technologies makes hybrid heat pumps very efficient: in well-insulated buildings, the heater will operate mostly as a heat pump during spring and autumn. It will then use the condensing boiler during the coldest days of the year or in old, less insulated buildings.
Moreover, they can be installed without any prior adaptation of the building envelope and they facilitate staged renovation, i.e. to progressively add insulation. To cut CO2 even further, they can be used with decarbonised and renewable fuels and electricity.
Benefits
- Ready for green gases and electricity.
- Great energy efficiency and CO2 emissions reductions.
- Help balance demand on the electricity grid, limiting demand peaks thanks to condensing technology.
- Where dynamic prices are implemented, people may save on the electricity bill, shifting their consumption to times when demand (and prices) are low.
- Suitable for many building contexts: hybrid heat pumps are a very convenient means to renovate existing heating systems.