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.