In a quest to reduce their carbon footprint, building managers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions in climate control, among them being the hybrid heating system.
As award-winning commercial heating and ventilation specialists, Lord Combustion Services are experts in fitting such systems for customers.
We offer a wide range of energy-efficient equipment to suit any business need and budget. Our expert team can handle installations quickly and efficiently, including retrofitting new appliances to existing systems.
Hybrid heating solutions combine the strengths of two heating methods – typically a gas boiler and an air source heat pump – to provide comfort throughout the year in the most efficient way possible.
They are designed to automatically switch between energy sources depending on the outside temperature, fuel costs and efficiency considerations.
Heat pumps are highly efficient in moderate temperatures. Instead of generating heat, they transfer it from the outside air into buildings, using electricity very efficiently.
However, in very cold temperatures (usually below about 2–4°C), heat pumps become less effective. At this point, a gas boiler can take over, which is better suited to handle extreme cold.
“Hybrid heating systems can be a ‘best of both worlds’ solution,” explains Lord managing director Stuart Smith, “combining the low carbon benefits of an air source heat pump and the high temperature support of a condensing gas fired boiler.
“Correctly designed and installed hybrid systems enable air source heat pumps and boilers to work in harmony with each other. Their operation can be compared with that of a hybrid vehicle, with the battery driving the car around town at low speeds and the engine providing support at high speeds such as motorway driving.”
The benefits of hybrid heating systems
Reduced environmental impact
Hybrid heating systems are an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Modern condensing gas boilers are highly efficient, but they utilise a fossil fuel. Whilst developments work towards partial or full decarbonisation of the gas distribution network using full hydrogen or hydrogen blends, our current natural gas supply cannot be decarbonised.
Our electrical supplies, however, can be decarbonised utilising renewable electricity generation methods such as wind, solar or hydro.
A hybrid system enables the generation of heat from electricity using air source heat pumps whenever possible, reducing its carbon footprint.
The gas fired boiler operates only when necessary, reducing its environmental impact significantly compared to buildings that rely solely on fossil fuels for heating.
You don’t need to replace your existing pipework and radiators
Hybrid systems can remove the need to replace the existing heating pipework and heat emitters (radiators) within a building.
Whilst the installation of an air source heat pump may require new radiators and pipework to work with its temperature outputs, a hybrid system utilises boilers to boost temperatures up to the levels required for the existing installation.
Comfort and performance in all climates
A common limitation of heat pumps alone is that their performance drops in very cold climates. By pairing the heat pump with a gas boiler, hybrid systems ensure that mild weather is handled efficiently with the electric heat pump and extremely cold weather is tackled powerfully and effectively with the gas boiler.
This results in consistent indoor comfort no matter what the outdoor temperature is. You don’t have to worry about cold spots or underperformance during a deep freeze.
Intelligent system automation
Modern hybrid systems often include intelligent control systems that automate the decision-making process.
These systems monitor outside temperatures, consider energy prices or fuel availability and automatically switch between the electric heat pump and the gas boiler for optimal efficiency and comfort.
This hands-off approach makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of hybrid heating without constant adjustments or manual control.
In order for a hybrid system to work correctly and at its optimum levels it is important that the correct control systems are installed. Efficient control systems will ensure that the two heat sources operate in harmony with each other and regulate their outputs to match the heating load. For further information check out our webpage on heating and hot water control systems or read our blog on building management systems.
Enhanced longevity and reliability
Because neither the heat pump nor the gas boiler has to handle 100% of your heating load all year long, the wear and tear on each unit is reduced.
This dual-use approach can extend the lifespan of both components, reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and minimise maintenance costs over time.
Spreading the workload between two systems reduces stress on each one, resulting in better long-term performance and reliability.
As energy demands and climate concerns grow, investing in a hybrid heating system can be a responsible and forward-thinking choice for your building and the planet.
At Lord Combustion Services, we have a team of nearly 50 staff serving more than 1,000 customers across the West Midlands from our base in Oldbury.
If you would like to know more about how we can you support you with your heating and hot water systems, please get in touch.
We can carry out an in-depth review of your existing systems and the individual needs of your business and suggest a range of tailor-made solutions to suit your budget.
Contact Lord Combustion Services today by calling 0121 544 4191 or emailing service@lordcombustion.co.uk.
