Hybrid heating systems: best of both worlds
As the UK accelerates toward net zero, heating solutions must evolve to meet demands for efficiency, resilience, and carbon reduction—without compromising on performance.
That’s where hybrid heating systems come in.
A hybrid heat pump system combines an air source heat pump with a secondary heat source (such as a boiler or district heating) to offer a flexible and cost-effective path to sustainable heating.
At Clade, our heat pumps are ideal for use in a hybrid heating system. In fact, Clade hybrid systems are already cutting carbon and cost in sectors across the UK – from retail and education to housing and heritage sites.
With that in mind, we thought it was about time we explained all there is to know about these versatile heating systems – from how they work to their key benefits. Read on for the full lowdown.
What is a hybrid heating system?
A hybrid heating system is a heating system that combines more than one heat source.
In the case of a hybrid heat pump system, that means combining an air source heat pump with a secondary heat source – usually a boiler.
The heat pump provides the majority of the building’s heating demand, while the secondary heat source is used as a backup – for instance, during extreme cold spells or peak heating periods – enhancing flexibility and reliability.
How does a hybrid heat pump system work?
Most of the time, in a hybrid heat pump system, the heat pump will provide the majority of a building’s heating, with the secondary heat source only kicking in when it’s absolutely necessary.
This can vary depending on why a business decides to invest in a hybrid system. For instance, the secondary heat source may be used for…
- Peak lopping. The heating system automatically switches between heat pump and boiler, selecting the most cost-effective tariff at each moment.
- Cold weather assistance. The heating system switches to your secondary heat source when the outside temperature drops below a set figure.
- Back up. The secondary heat source is used as a backup in case your heat pump is out of action for whatever reason.
- Extra demand. The secondary heat source is used when demand for heating is higher than usual – for instance, in a building with variable occupancy.
- Separate hot water and space heating. Although less common, in some systems, the heat pump is used to provide space heating while the boiler continues to provide domestic hot water (DHW).
Generally, the heat pump and boiler are paired and combined via a buffer tank.
This means that both heat sources won’t be able to work at the same time – instead, when one fires up, the other will switch off.
It also means that you may be able to keep an existing gas or oil boiler in place, instead of replacing it with a new one. However, it’s always worth checking its condition and making sure it’s as efficient as it can be, to enhance the overall efficiency of your system.
What are the benefits of a hybrid heat pump system?
Hybrid heat pump systems can help businesses to transition to a sustainable heating system flexibly and cost-effectively, without compromising on performance.
In this way, they’re often seen as a ‘best of both worlds’ solution. Here are some of the key benefits.
Maximise carbon savings
Use your air source heat pump for the majority of the heating load, drastically reducing emissions and running costs. Supplement with a secondary heat source only when absolutely necessary.
Peak load flexibility
During extreme cold spells or peak heating periods, the backup source ensures uninterrupted comfort and output – ideal for buildings with legacy heat demands or variable occupancy.
Phased decarbonisation
Hybrid systems are the perfect bridge for organisations not yet ready to fully electrify. Transition on your terms, without large upfront disruption.
Grid-friendly operation
Reduce electrical peak demand charges and support the grid by shifting loads intelligently between heat sources.
Dynamic and controllable
At Clade, our hybrid heat pump systems all centre around our Master Controller – a smart control platform that:
- Orchestrates seamless switching between heat sources based on temperature, efficiency, tariff, or carbon signals
- Optimises performance across the entire system using real-time data and predictive logic
- Integrates easily with BMS, metering, and remote monitoring systems
- Empowers operators with clear, actionable insights via an intuitive dashboard
Proven technology
Clade hybrid heat pump systems are already cutting carbon and cost in hybrid systems across the UK, in sectors ranging from retail and education to housing and heritage sites.
Is a hybrid heat pump system right for my business?
Contrary to popular belief, it’s possible to retrofit a heat pump in the majority of buildings – even those that are listed, that require continuous operation, or where the existing infrastructure can’t be easily amended.
However, there are some businesses that are particularly well-suited to a hybrid system. These include those…
- With legacy heat demands
- With variable occupancy
- That aren’t yet ready to fully electrify
Ultimately though, if you’re looking to reduce your business’ carbon footprint and you’re not ready to commit to a fully renewable heating system just yet, a hybrid heat pump system could be the best of both worlds – offering both low-carbon performance and on-demand reliability.
Key considerations when investing in hybrid heating systems
If you’re looking to get a hybrid system installed, there are some key considerations to be aware of. Here’s what we recommend.
Purpose
What’s the purpose of your hybrid system? Make sure to identify this and communicate it to the full team.
For instance, is the hybrid system for peak lopping, cold weather assistance, back up or another reason?
Description of operation
Ensure that there is a clear description of operation.
Hybrid heat pump systems can be set up in a number of different ways, to suit your building and heat requirements. Understanding how to operate it effectively can help you to maximise your system’s potential.
Get the controls logic right
Hybrid heating systems can be set up to switch automatically between your two heat sources based on certain triggers – for instance, energy tariffs or ambient temperatures.
You’ll want to make sure that the controls logic is spot-on, so that you’re always using the best heat source for your needs.
Talk to us about commercial hybrid heat pump systems
At Clade, we specialise in engineering hybrid heating systems that deliver the best of both worlds – low-carbon performance and on-demand reliability.
In fact, our heat pumps are frequently used in hybrid systems across the UK.
Not only do our higher temperatures make Clade heat pumps easier to design into hybrid systems, but our innovative Master Controller also simplifies the whole system.
Add to that the fact that our heat pumps are all built in the UK using natural refrigerants to ensure minimal environmental impact and long-term compliance, and it’s clear that if you’re on the lookout for a hybrid heat pump system, you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re retrofitting a complex building or planning phased upgrades, Clade delivers reliable, responsive heat – smarter.
Get in touch to find out how a heat pump from Clade can power your hybrid system.