How Can Hybrid Boilers Help Heat Your Home More Efficiently?

Hybrid boilers are seen as the bright future of renewables. Thanks to their unique pairing of traditional boilers and renewable systems; such as air and ground source heat pumps. Both technologies work in tandem; automatically swapping each other out for the most efficient method at the time of use.

The renewable side of the system will pick up most of the work; generating around 80% of a property’s heat. The traditional boiler will wait for the coldest winter months to provide its vital heat boost. This combination can fend off the chill, all thanks to an effortless transition between electric and gas.

How do hybrid boilers work?

These hybrid designs operate under an automatic system, switching between a renewable and traditional source when the former can’t heat your home on its own.

The heat pump will generate heat in the usual way, either absorbing it from the air or the ground. This means you will heat your home via electricity and cut out the need to use fossil fuels.

You will only ever need the boiler when temperatures outside are very cold. This means overall, you reduce your need for it. So, even when the temperatures drop – so do your energy bills!

The Pros

Energy Efficiency

The heat pumps work efficiently in the warmer months, whilst the hybrid boiler’s strength operates in the winter months. As mentioned, the system will automatically switch to whatever heating method is the most efficient at that time.

Heat pumps will generate up to four times the energy they use. In percentage terms, this is an efficiency rating of 400%. Some new boilers, which are typically efficient at the start of their service, rarely reach over 100% efficiency!

Low Temperatures, Low Heating Bills

Heat pumps use free energy from the air or ground. They use electricity to work and have little running costs. This will deplete your gas boiler use and reduce energy bills.

Better for the Atmosphere

Traditional boilers burn harmful fuels like gas, oil, and coal and release what we call carbon into our planet’s atmosphere. Bad news… it’s extremely damaging! Using fewer fossil fuels saves you money and is also much greener for the planet.

With the government’s ambitions to move the country into a greener age, renewable energy sources are leading the battle. By reducing carbon footprints, we make our homes and our planet a great place to live!

All Year Round Reliability

Whether it’s the summer heat or the winter frost, your hybrid system has enough technology to provide the best possible heating options. When the temperature is low and your heat pump needs assistance, the hybrid boiler will power up…then back down, just as quickly, once enough heat has been generated.

Most heat pumps also work as air conditioners, making it a system you can rely on 12 months a year!

Great Lifespan

Traditional boilers tend to last up to about 15 years but this is when they are working alone. Bringing a hybrid system into the fold will add to this average lifespan, thanks to your boiler working less.

With their partnership, heat pumps and boilers will naturally last longer and maintenance will be much easier.

Government Funding for Hybrid Boilers

The biggest downfall of hybrid boilers is that they are simply expensive to install. They can set you back between £5,000 and £10,000.

However, there is some good news…

You could save that money thanks to the Government, who want to help pay for your hybrid boiler system!

A free hybrid boiler could be yours through the ECO4 Scheme provided you meet the Government set criteria.

Should You Get a Hybrid Boiler Installed? 

Although expensive to install (don’t forget government-backed grants can get you one for free), hybrid systems should be treated as an investment. Your monthly energy bills may be reduced by up to 50%!