Hybrid Air Source Heat Pump Cost
Hybrid air source heat pumps usefully combine two different heating technologies: an efficient heat pump and a dependable gas boiler. This creates a heating system that can deliver year-round comfort while also taking steps to create less impact on the planet. The heat pump does most of the work, even on cooler days, by cleverly extracting thermal energy from the air. The boiler is there to help when extra heat is needed, on busy days and when the weather is extremely cold.
This kind of system offers homeowners a good balance, because it reduces gas use without compromising on the warmth or hot water that a gas system can deliver. In this blog post, we’ll look at what hybrid heat pumps cost, the benefits they bring and how hybrid heat pump systems offer a smart, innovative step towards more sustainable living.
How much do hybrid heat pumps cost?
Hybrid air source heat pumps are generally less expensive to install than a full heat pump system, but the total cost of heat pump systems still depends on a few important factors. Every home is different, so costs can change based on your property, your current heating set-up and any choices you make regarding equipment and installation. Things that influence the overall cost include:
- The size and heating needs of your home
- Whether you are keeping your existing boiler or installing a new one
- The make and model of the heat pump
- How complex the installation is
- Any additional work needed, such as upgrading insulation or radiators
As a guide, installing a hybrid system in the UK typically costs between £2,500 and £5,000. Fitting a heat pump to a suitable existing boiler can bring costs towards the lower end of this range.
What are the benefits of hybrid heat pumps?
Hybrid air source heat pumps efficiently balance comfort, savings and sustainability. They cleverly combine the strengths of two heating methods to deliver a dependable heating system while lowering your overall energy use and environmental impact. Key benefits include:
- Reliable: A hybrid heat pump system gives you consistenft warmth and hot water all year. The heat pump handles most heating needs, even in cooler weather, while the boiler automatically steps in during very cold spells or peak demand. Anybody concerned about an overall drop in system capability will benefit from this peace of mind.
- Affordable: Independent testing suggests a well-installed heat pump can reduce running costs by over 50% compared to a gas boiler. In a hybrid system, the same principle applies, with the boiler stepping in only when necessary. Savings will vary case by case, but a hybrid system can still run entirely on the heat pump for a good part of the year.
- Sustainable: Heat pumps cleverly extract thermal energy from the air, even on cold days, helping reduce your household’s carbon footprint. By pairing one with a high-efficiency boiler, you’re using less fossil fuel while still meeting all your heating and hot water needs, making it a practical step towards greener living.
How do hybrid heat pumps work?
A hybrid air source heat pump works alongside an existing (or new) gas boiler to keep your home warm as efficiently as possible. For most of the year, the heat pump will do the heavy lifting. It’s a very clever system that uses a refrigerant and a compressor to extract thermal energy from the outside air, even when the air feels cold to us.
Think of it like a fridge working in reverse: instead of removing heat from inside and pushing it out, the heat pump collects warmth from the air outside and concentrates it for use indoors. Once the heat is collected, it’s transferred into your central heating system and can provide hot water.
When the weather is extremely cold, or when you need a quick boost for your heating or hot water, the boiler automatically takes over. A hybrid heat pump system essentially keeps you comfortable year-round, while reducing gas use for much of the year.
Why choose Intergas for hybrid heat pumps?
Intergas are experts in heating solutions, trusted by homeowners and installers alike. We’ve been making products for the home since 1939 and pioneered high-efficiency condensing boilers in the late 1980s. In 1996, we developed the bithermic heat exchanger, a simple yet advanced component still at the cutting edge today. Our range now spans high-efficiency combi boilers, innovative hybrid air source heat pumps and all-electric systems.
Our flagship boilers include unique features such as flue gas heat recovery, while our in-house team helps you choose the right system for your home. We also provide annual boiler servicing to keep your heating running smoothly, and even free boiler installation courses for those in the trade.
At Intergas, we know heating and always stay ahead of the latest innovations. Whichever system you need, we’re here to deliver the ideal solution. Contact us today with any questions or to take your heating system to the next level.
FAQs about the cost of hybrid heat pump systems
Got questions? Here are some clear, straightforward answers from the Intergas experts for the most common queries about hybrid heat pump cost and related topics.
Is a hybrid heat pump worth it?
Yes, for many households, a hybrid heat pump can cut gas usage and lower annual bills. You keep the reliability of a boiler when needed while using efficient, renewable heat for most of the year, reducing costs and emissions.
How much does a hybrid heat pump cost for my house?
The cost depends on factors like your home’s size, insulation levels and whether you already have a compatible boiler. For many properties, prices range from £2,500 to £5,000 for a full system, with retrofits to an existing boiler system often costing less.
Are there any heat pump running costs?
Like any heating system, a heat pump uses energy to run, so you’ll have ongoing electric heat pump costs. However, because it moves heat rather than generating it directly, it’s highly efficient, meaning lower energy use compared to less efficient heating methods.
Can I save on energy bills with hybrid heat?
A well-installed, efficient heat pump can reduce running costs by over 50% compared to a gas boiler, according to independent research from Which?. In a hybrid system, you get the best of both worlds. The heat pump covers most of your general heating needs, and the gas boiler only steps in when required, such as during very cold weather or when you have extra demand for hot water.
This means you’re using efficient, renewable energy for much of the year, helping lower energy bills without removing the reliability of a boiler when needed. And this system will run automatically, too. Actual savings will depend on your home’s insulation, size and heating habits.
Will I need to service my heat pump?
Like any system, hybrid air source heat pumps benefit from regular servicing to keep them running efficiently and to extend their lifespan. Most manufacturers recommend an annual service, which includes checking the refrigerant, electrical connections and overall system performance.
At Intergas, we offer annual boiler servicing and can arrange for your heat pump to be maintained at the same time. This ensures both parts of your system are kept in top condition. Regular servicing also helps to maintain any warranties and can prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.
How much does it cost to install a hybrid heat pump?
Installation usually takes between one and three days, depending on your existing heating system, household layout and any other upgrades needed, such as new radiators. Costs for a hybrid system typically range from £2,500 to £5,000, with retrofits to an existing boiler system generally costing less and taking less time for installation.
Are there any grants to help me afford a hybrid air source heat pump in the UK?
Hybrid air source heat pumps do not currently qualify for the UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides grants for full heat pump systems. Other incentives may be available over time, so it’s worth checking the latest government guidance or speaking to the experts here at Intergas for up-to-date information.
What else should I know about funding a hybrid air source heat pump?
While hybrid systems are not eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you may still benefit from other support, such as the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Check government guidance regularly, as funding options can change over time.
