Hybrid heat pumps: a good alternative for more sustainable heating?

Last updated on 28 August 2024

Many homeowners are looking for solutions to reduce their consumption and ecological impact. However, the transition to more sustainable systems can be complex, especially for older homes. If you already have high-performance insulation, there is a solution: hybrid heat pumps.

Heating your home exclusively with a heat pump is only economically viable if your home is perfectly insulated. But not everyone has a new house or the means to carry out major renovations.

This situation puts you in a difficult position. On the one hand, you want to reduce your energy costs and heat your home more sustainably. On the other hand, you do not want to undertake costly renovation works.

Have you already carried out some insulation works, but your home still does not meet the strict standards required for a pure electric heat pump? Installing a hybrid heat pump offers an affordable and more environmentally friendly alternative.

The best of both worlds

A hybrid heat pump combines 2 technologies: a heat pump and a conventional boiler. You therefore use both fossil fuels and renewable energy.

In a hybrid system, your boiler comes into operation when the demand for heat is particularly high or the outside temperature is very low. With smart control, a hybrid system continually selects the most cost -effective heating mode at any given time.

Electric heat pump in mild temperatures

When outside temperatures are mild, the heat pump operates on its own. It then draws 75% of its energy free of charge from the environment, or even 100% if you use it in combination with solar panels.

Gas boiler in cold weather

However, when the mercury drops and heating needs increase, the boiler takes over or supplements the heat pump.

Upgrade or renovation?

There are two possible situations.

Your boiler still meets the latest standards: you can opt for a hybrid system to supplement your existing installation.
Your boiler is outdated and needs replacing: this is the ideal opportunity to consider installing a complete hybrid system.

Example of an upgrade to an existing heating system.

Advantages and disadvantages of hybrid systems

Although hybrid systems offer many advantages, it is important to consider their disadvantages too. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of these systems:

PRO

CON

Reasonable investment

The major advantage of hybrid systems is they enable more sustainable heating at a lower investment cost. In many cases, it is possible to keep the existing heating system (boiler, pipes and radiators).

Grants

You can also qualify for grants for the installation of these systems.

Energy efficiency

Hybrid systems mainly use renewable energy, supplemented by fossil energy for peak loads. The cheapest energy source is always preferred, depending on the context.

Thermal comfort

As the boiler takes over when heating needs increase, you always have an ideal temperature. Even on cold winter days.

Service life

Alternating between the two systems extends their service life. Furthermore, if one of the systems fails, the other takes over.

Scalability

Hybrid systems can be connected to solar panels and are suitable for green gas, hydrogen or future investments such as better insulation..

Maintenance

The presence of two energy sources makes these systems more complex, which can result in higher maintenance costs.

Required space

Hybrid heat pumps require more space than conventional systems.

Fossil fuels

Dependence on fossil fuels persists.

Noise

The heat pump's outdoor unit can generate noise, which may disturb some users or neighbours.

Electrical connection

In some cases, the installation may require an upgrade of the home's electrical connection, resulting in additional costs.

Return on investment

The time required to recoup the initial investment is longer, depending on local energy rates and your potential for self-generation of electricity, for example via solar panels.

Combined or separate system?

There are two types of hybrid systems:

2-in-1 systems: they combine a heat pump and a fuel-fired boiler in a single unit.
Split systems: these consist of two separate units. A heat pump unit is placed alongside an existing or new boiler.

15 years to continue to make progress

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to carry out a complete renovation to improve the energy efficiency of your home. In reality, every little bit counts.

Many households have already undertaken some works to improve their energy consumption, such as the insulation of the roof and ventilated spaces, or replacement of window frames.

In this case, adopting a hybrid system can be the next step towards a more sustainable home. It offers a 15-year period (the average service life of a boiler) to continue to make further progress towards carbon-neutral heating.

Mandatory in the Netherlands in 2026

In the Netherlands, from 2026, hybrid heat pumps will be the minimum standard for domestic heating. When replacing central heating systems, it will be mandatory to opt for a more sustainable alternative, such as a hybrid heat pump.

An attractive compromise for older buildings

Despite some disadvantages, hybrid systems are an attractive option in many respects. They offer a good compromise between price, energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

Hybrid systems provide a basis for greater energy savings and environmental friendliness in the future. By further insulating your home, you will be able to, for example, run the heat pump more often, and save money in the process.

This technology can make a significant contribution to the goal of a carbon-neutral society by 2050. Indeed, hybrid systems enable a gradual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to the constraints of older buildings.