Article
Hybrid heat pumps enable efficient and flexible heating
With a growing demand for efficient, flexible, and compact heating solutions, hybrid heating systems are gaining popularity in several markets. Let’s take a closer look at what they have to offer.
What are hybrid heat pumps?
Hybrid heat pumps combine a gas boiler and a heat pump for domestic hot water and heating. They are a compact, versatile solution that can be particularly effective in multi-unit residential buildings, where space is often limited, and an immediate hot water supply is needed. They can be a good option in cases where heat pumps alone can struggle to deliver on these needs without additional equipment like buffer tanks.
Why are hybrid heat pumps gaining ground?
- Space efficiency: Hybrid heat pumps are smaller than heat pumps, which makes them a good replacement solution in places like residential units where space can be limited.
- Flexibility and cost-efficiency: Hybrids let you choose between gas and electricity based on cost fluctuations and energy source availability.
- Reduced emissions: The heat pump primarily manages heating and is not reliant on fossil fuels, meaning hybrid heat pumps emit less CO2 than gas boilers.
- Easy installation: Many installers are more familiar with gas boilers, so hybrid heat pumps are a more straightforward option than heat pumps, which require more specific expertise.
- Sustainability regulations: As the pressure of sustainability regulations increases, hybrid heat pumps will likely be incentivised.
Hybrid heat pumps as a long-term solution
Many installers have experience with gas boilers, which means hybrids can be more accessible than stand-alone heat pumps. The gas part of a hybrid will still work even if the heat pump is performing below expectations due to extreme installation conditions, and the small size makes them a good long-term choice in many cases. Still, while hybrid heat pumps are a more sustainable option than traditional boilers in markets with well-established gas networks, we’ll likely see a growing need for fully electric solutions as the green transition accelerates.
Harnessing over 20 years of expertise in hybrid technologies
We’re using all our experience with gas boiler and heat pump technologies to develop intelligent solutions that can enhance the performance of hybrid heat pumps. An example of this is our UPM4 circulator pump, which ensures optimal operation with features like real-time monitoring and seamless communication between components. These capabilities help maximise energy savings, reduce carbon emissions, and improve overall system performance, making it an ideal choice for modern hybrid heat pumps.
Additionally, our UPM10 circulator pump is specifically tailored for the unique demands of heat pumps and other heating systems that require high flow. It operates at increased temperature ratings, integrates effortlessly into larger systems, and features advanced digital capabilities like leak detection, low-flow signals, and remote monitoring. This makes the UPM10 a versatile and future-ready solution that ensures peak system efficiency while complying with evolving sustainability regulations.
The advantages of hybrid heat pumps
Hybrid heat pumps offer a flexible and efficient solution for many different applications, especially in places like apartment complexes and smaller homes. By combining the immediate hot water supply of gas boilers with the energy efficiency of heat pumps, they deliver significant reductions in CO2 emissions and adapt to fluctuating energy costs.
As regulations around fossil fuels become stricter and the demand for sustainable solutions grows, hybrids stand out as a future-ready investment. At Grundfos, our innovative circulator pumps and advanced digital features are designed to help you navigate these regulatory changes with confidence, ensuring your hybrid heat pumps are always at peak performance.