A fair few European governments have expressed enthusiasm for replacing gas boilers with heat pumps.
However, the upfront investment of money, as well as time and learning, is cold comfort for households currently dealing with high energy costs.
The hybrid heating system may offer a happy middle way.
You can keep your gas boiler standing by for the chilliest part of the year, with a heat pump doing the bulk of the work. But why is hybrid more cost-effective than removing your gas boiler? Swapping a gas boiler for a heat pump it in itself expensive. Even more so, since you’ll need home insulation and new radiators. With a hybrid system, you keep your radiators, skip the major renovations, and let the gas boiler step in on the coldest days.
Studies back up the numbers: A hybrid system can cut your household emissions by 30%! Plus, it’s as efficient as a standalone heat pump, minus the eye-watering bills. It’s a win-win for your pocket and the planet.
Gas boilers may be going out of fashion and favour, but making the change is hard. That’s why hybrid heating is an ideal, realistic solution. You can treat this middle ground as a temporary position, even if your end goal remains an all-electric. Upgrading your heating system can be a marathon, not a sprint.
Across the sea, the Netherlands is hopping on the hybrid bandwagon, making it standard from 2026. Even Germany’s heating gurus are eyeing a gradual shift with hybrid systems.
So, if the thought of ditching your gas boiler seems too daunting, embrace the hybrid hype. It’s your ticket to a cozy home, lower bills, and a guilt-free conscience. The future may be electric, but for now, let the hybrid revolution begin!
Source
Heat Pump + Gas Boiler hybrids can reduce bills and emissions faster than a 100% heat pump rollout, Energy Post, 2023-12-14
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