Hybrid | Heat Pumps

Hybrid heat pumps are a cost-effective home heating solution that use both electricity and gas. A hybrid heat pump will automatically choose the cheapest fuel source depending on your energy tariff, helping you to combat fluctuating fuel prices. 

There is a significant difference between a hybrid heat pump and an air-source heat pump. A hybrid heat pump works alongside a natural gas boiler, while an air source heat pump doesn’t. With a hybrid heat pump, the outdoor unit uses electricity to extract heat from the air, while the gas boiler works to heat your hot water. This means you don’t need a water tank installation in your home.

On the other hand, an air source heat pump uses the warmth extracted from the air to heat both your home and hot water. Therefore, a hot water storage tank is necessary for this type of heat pump.

Hybrid heat pumps are compatible with existing gas boiler heating systems. Installation is highly convenient as there is no need to re-pipe your home, install new radiators or fit additional insulation. This helps to minimise cost and the amount of work required.

Hybrid heat pumps are an environmentally friendly home heating solution designed to be future-proof. They work by utilising both electricity and gas, making them an ideal choice for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

With the ability to become carbon neutral in the future, hybrid heat pumps are a smart investment for anyone looking to make their home more energy-efficient. This is made possible by the fact that they can be easily adapted to run on alternative fuel sources when they become available on the NI gas network.

Unfortunately there are no grant funding schemes available in Northern Ireland for hybrid heat pumps, currently.

However, grant funding is available for full air source heat pumps as part of the 2024/25 Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme. Find out more about this grant here.