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There are a number of different types of heat pumps on the market, each with their own particular benefits and modes of operation. While ground, air, and water-source heat pumps are often on people’s minds, hybrid heat pumps are often left out of the discussion. Let’s look at what they are, what they do best, and which homes they can be best suitable to.
Hybrid Heat Pumps
A hybrid heat pump is a type of HVAC system comprised of two heating technologies (electric heat pumps and gas furnaces) working in conjunction. Using two types of technologies in tandem, it can provide a balance of fuel usage and low-cost operation.
As a heating system, hybrid heat pumps alternate between using an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. They switch between them depending on factors such as the outdoor temperature,
indoor temperature requirements, and energy consumption. It automatically selects the most efficient and cost-effective heating method based on these conditions.
An electric heat pump generally functions as the primary heating and cooling source when the temperature is milder (typically above 4°C). Like any heat pump, it extracts heat from the outdoor air, filters it out through using a refrigerant, and uses it to warm the home. In the summer, the hybrid system works as a central air conditioner, removing heat using a reverse of the same process. It can provide up to 75% of its energy from renewable sources, making it highly efficient in moderate weather.
What changes here is that it also has a furnace system, where the gas boiler can take over, generally when the outdoor temperatures drop significantly (usually below 32°F/0°C). This is most effective when rapid heating is required. Using both the heat pump and boiler functions, the hybrid operation saves on energy consumption and is better for the environment than a standalone boiler.
Pros & Cons of Hybrid Heat Pumps
Here are some of the main advantages of hybrid heating systems.
Energy Efficiency: By alternating between two different heating systems based on various conditions, hybrid systems can save up to 35% more energy.
Cost Savings: Switching between electricity and gas allows homeowners to take advantage of the most economical energy source.
Versatility: Hybrid systems work best for regions with varying temperatures and sudden fluctuations throughout the year.
Relatively Eco-friendly: The heat pump mode uses renewable heating processes thanks to a refrigerant system.
Longer Lifespan Than Heat Pumps: The primary reason they last longer is that they use two systems. When each component works only under optimal conditions and splits operations between different processes. Therefore, hybrid heat systems can last between 20 and 25 years, as compared to the 15 to 20 years for a regular heat pump.
However, hybrid heat pumps also come with some disadvantages. These include:
Only semi-renewable: Since it also relied on a boiler running that utilises fossil fuels, it often sidelines the renewable heating process for standard gas usage.
Expensive: Boiler replacement can be cheaper for a like-to-like change, whereas hybridising a system can be more expensive to add to the home. These can make the break-even point longer.
Installation Considerations
So, what types of homes are hybrid heat pumps best suited for? One of the most common applications of the hybrid system was in renovations and replacing old boilers. This is fairly easy to do since a boiler is probably already in place for most existing homes. Attaching both systems can be expensive, but having one or the other might be better for saving on costs.
Similarly, attaching a hybridised system can be beneficial for properties that aren't fully optimized for standalone heat pumps. These properties may have insulation issues or might be in an area that occasionally dips below temperatures that heat pumps might be able to handle.
Homes with existing radiators and piping systems can also benefit from a hybrid system. This way the heat pump can make use of the existing infrastructure within the house and the distribution system can remain the same. In this way, the radiators can continue to function rather than being taken out.
It's important to note that while hybrid systems offer significant advantages, they may not be the best choice for every situation. Homes with very good insulation might benefit more from a full electric heat pump system. This is especially true if temperature differences are not the widest between summer and winter, as most heat pumps will work fine in these conditions.
That said, hybrid heat pumps offer a viable heating solution for many types of homes, combining the benefits of electric heat pumps and gas furnaces. They can be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than boilers, while also operating effectively and quickly in wider temperature ranges than standard heat pumps. While they can be more expensive, they provide a sense of security knowing that the benefits of both types of heating are present.
