Hybrid Heat Pumps in the UK: Costs & Benefits (November 2024)

Hybrid heat pumps combine heat pump and boiler technology to provide reliable, year-round heating, even in very cold climates. These systems automatically switch between the heat pump and boiler to optimise energy efficiency, making them well-suited for large homes with high heating demands.

This guide will explore how these hybrid heat pump systems work, the associated costs, and the benefits to certain households. But first, do you know the best way to save on a new hybrid heat pump installation?

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You might be familiar with how a heat pump works. However, what exactly is a hybrid heat pump? Hybrid heat pumps combine an air source heat pump with a traditional gas or oil boiler to provide reliable, year-round heating.

These hybrid heating systems are well-suited for homes with high heating demands, as they can automatically switch between the more energy-efficient heat pump and the supplemental boiler as needed.

How do hybrid heat pump systems, which blend advanced heat pump technology with traditional fossil fuel boilers, work to provide reliable heating comfort all year round?

During milder weather, the heat pump handles most of the heating load by extracting heat from the outside air. However, if you're wondering: "How do heat pumps work in winter?" then you should know that their performance generally decreases. With a hybrid heat pump, the system seamlessly uses the boiler to provide additional heating, ensuring consistent comfort even in very cold climates.

The key advantage of hybrid heat pumps is their ability to optimise energy usage and costs by automatically determining the most efficient heating source at any given time. This makes them an attractive option for larger homes or properties with poor insulation, where a heat pump alone may struggle to meet the heating demands.

That said, there are also some drawbacks that are important to consider before investing in a hybrid heat pump. For instance, you may want to take boiler and air source heat pump noise levels into account, as well as the higher costs involved in installing a hybrid heat pump.

The cost of a hybrid heat pump system, which includes the installation of both a heat pump and a boiler, typically ranges from £10,250 to £18,550. Although this might seem expansive, estimates suggest that ground source heat pump trench systems can cost up to £28,000 and up to £57,000 for borehole systems, for example.

The overall cost of a hybrid heat pump varies based on factors such as property size, the chosen model and manufacturer, and the complexity of the installation. In some cases, if the existing boiler is in good condition, homeowners may only need to invest in a new heat pump installation, potentially reducing the overall cost of the system.

To better understand the costs associated with hybrid heat pumps, we’ve compiled an overview of the different heat pump costs, including supply and installation.

These prices are estimates based on the current market rates in 2024. For a more accurate price, you should always get quotes from multiple installers

Heat pump costs in the UK can be significantly reduced through the UK Government's heat pump grant, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This scheme offers a fixed grant of £7,500 towards new heat pump installations in England and Wales. You can apply for this grant until April 2028.

Moreover, additional insulation requirements can impact the cost of a hybrid heat pump system, which typically ranges from £9,000 to £30,000 depending on the scale of work needed. However, including a gas boiler in a hybrid system can reduce the need for extensive insulation measures.

These costs are estimates based on the average gas consumption in the UK (excluding cooking gas), the current energy price, and daily standing charges.

The running costs of a hybrid heat pump system will vary depending on the usage balance between the heat pump and the gas boiler. Some homeowners may rely on the gas boiler only during winter, while others might use the boiler for hot water and the heat pump for space heating. Consulting a professional installer is recommended to determine the most suitable approach for a specific property.

The difference between the running costs of an air source heat pump and ground source heat pump mainly comes from their average coefficient of performance.

Air source heat pumps usually have a COP of 3, meaning they produce three times the heat for each unit of electricity. Meanwhile, ground source heat pumps often have a COP of 4, providing four times the heat for the same amount of electricity.

Replacing a G-rated gas boiler with a hybrid heat pump could save the average home around £296 per year due to the system's efficiency in maintaining optimal temperatures.

With an upfront cost of approximately £10,250 to £18,550, hybrid heat pumps offer significant long-term savings over traditional gas boilers and standalone heat pumps.

The overall cost comparison shows potential savings of around £3,000 over a 10-year period when replacing your old G-rated gas boiler with a hybrid heat pump, primarily due to lower ongoing fuel costs and reduced peak electricity demand. These savings could be further enhanced with time-of-use tariffs and peak-period rebates.

These figures are estimates, and consulting a heat pump specialist is recommended for detailed advice. Luckily, we can help you eliminate the hours of searching for the right installer. Fill out a 30-second form, and we'll match you with up to 4 quotes from your area's top heat pump installers. 

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Hybrid heat pumps combine heat pumps' energy efficiency with gas boilers' reliability, offering significant benefits. They can achieve high efficiency, reducing energy consumption and costs. Hybrid systems also provide the flexibility of both technologies - the gas boiler can supplement the heat pump during peak demand or very cold weather, ensuring consistent heating. Apart from free standing homes, hybrid heat pump in a flat can also be installed.

By using the gas boiler during peak times, hybrid heat pumps can also help lower electricity demand, potentially leading to additional savings. Overall, hybrid heat pumps offer a valuable combination of efficiency and reliability, making them a smart choice for homeowners.

Finally, it is also worth noting the existence of multiple heat pump grants across the UK for homeowners choosing heat pumps for their homes. However, many of these grants can be regionally dependent, so it's best to understand your area. Our heat pump grants page can give a good overview, but we also have resources dedicated to heat pumps in Wales and heat pumps in Scotland.

Finding the right installer on your own can often take days of research, involving calling up companies and assessing their prices. Even then, you may not find the best one. Our service covers you if that sounds too much of a hassle. Just fill out one simple 30-second form, and we’ll handle the rest. Click the button below to receive up to 4 free, non-binding solar panel quotes.