It takes two

At Futurum we are very excited about the new Hybrid heat pumps which are an attractive option for combi boiler replacement, particularly as they are eligible for domestic Renewable Heat Incentive payments, and this year we will be installing these systems produced by Daikin.

The introduction of the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (dRHI) has meant renewable systems are becoming a more viable and attractive home heating method. Perhaps the most versatile are hybrid systems, which combine familiar technology – a gas boiler – with a more efficient renewable heating solution, such as an air-to-water heat pump.The Daikin Altherma hybrid heat pump system, for example, combines a gas condensing combi boiler with an air-to-water heat pump and can be connected directly to existing pipework and radiators. The system operates at water flow temperatures of up to 80°C, eliminating the hassle usually associated with replacing radiators for heat pumps.It has two settings for heating: ‘ecological’ or ‘economical’. In ecological mode, the user can decide to minimise the ecological impact of their heating system by limiting carbon emission rates. In the economical setting, the smart controller automatically searches for the operating conditions with the lowest running costs based on energy prices (electricity and gas), heat pump efficiency and heat load. This combined operation helps homeowners reduce their energy bills and ensures comfort all year round.Over an entire year, up to 70% of the energy required for heating is provided by the heat pump, either on its own, or in combination with the condensing boiler in hybrid mode. In this mode, water is pre-heated by the more efficient heat pump, reducing the energy consumed by the boiler. Only at the coldest times of the year does the boiler work alone. The compact indoor unit, which includes both a boiler and the heat pump hydrobox, fits in the same space as a conventional wall-hung boiler this is connected to an outdoor unit that can be installed discretely, up to 20m away. Daikin’s hybrid system is up to 35% more efficient in heating than the most efficient gas condensing boilers. It has two settings for heating: ‘ecological’ or ‘economical’.To be eligible for the dRHI, both the heating system and the installer must be Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited. Daikin Altherma hybrid heat pump systems have full MCS accreditation and come meter ready . Because they run alongside traditional heating, hybrid systems also have to be metered for the homeowner to receive payments. Hybrid systems are an excellent way to introduce homeowners to renewable energy technologies, especially where the system is packaged with a familiar gas combi boiler. For gas or LPG boilers coming to the end of their working life, a hybrid system can deliver the lower running costs associated with renewable heating and provide the opportunity to take advantage of dRHI payments. Our team at Futurum can tell you how much your are likely to get back from the Heat Incentive and provide a no obligation quote. We do not either use any pressure sales techniques so please call us to chat further if you are interested in the hybrid heat pump on 01609 775500.