There is much speculation as to whether hybrid heat systems can be installed with an existing boiler. The simple answer is yes.
In fact, there is no hybrid aspect without a boiler in place. The system simply switches between a heat pump and boiler to heat the home at the right times.
Installing one with an existing boiler is known as a ‘bivalent system. This connects the heat pump and boiler through a buffer tank.
Bivalent Systems
A heat pump is installed and combined with an oil or gas boiler from the same manufacturer. There is also the potential to integrate it with the boiler you already have. Providing it is in good working order.
The heat pump will run as much as it can to meet your needs. When the temperature outside becomes cold enough, the heat pump will stop and transfer duties over to the boiler. They will never be running at the same time.
Is a Hybrid Heat Pump Worth it?
You may still be on the fence at this point. But there are several reasons that you may choose to have one installed:
High Heat Home
You may find that your home has a high heat demand. Therefore a single heat pump or boiler may not suffice when keeping your property at a comfortable temperature.
Insulation can keep the heat demand of your property low. However, it can still be quite expensive if you live in a bigger-than-average home.
In this case, a hybrid heat pump could be your best choice.
Heat Pump Needs Back Up
If you replace your boiler with a heat pump, you can begin to see lower heating bills. However, this depends on the fuel type it is replacing and the boiler’s efficiency.
A new gas boiler would deliver heat cheaply compared to heat pumps when gas prices are low.
With hybrid heating systems, controls can set the time and how the heat pump works. To determine this, the system considers a number of different factors. These include: time of day, fossil fuel supply costs, electricity costs, and finally whether the property has a solar panel system that is generating energy.
If the system aligns in conjunction with fuel prices; the boiler will only fire up when it costs less to do so.
Are You Considering a Hybrid Heat System?
If you are thinking that a hybrid heating system is right for you because of its ability to react to energy prices. We recommend you first research the installer’s assumptions of when the heat pump is likely to function before switching to the boiler.
You should figure out with your installer what the heat pump configuration will be. You can also discuss their predicted running cost calculations.
Two Options For Hybrid Systems
- Top-Up System: this configuration is for those periods when the heat pump needs a helping hand in cold weather.
- Separate Systems: the boiler will supply hot water and the heat pump will heat the home. If the boiler is a combi or instant water heater, there is no longer any need for a hot water cylinder with the heat pump.
