26 Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Feature
heat pump without signifi cant upgrades. T e provider opted to trial hybrid heat pumps as a means of reducing emissions at scale while avoiding the disruption and cost of immediate deep retrofi t. Over the following year, EPC reassessment showed measurable improvement
in the majority of homes. Carbon emissions are reduced due to the heat pump covering everyday heating demand, with the boiler only required during peak conditions. Residents reported stable heating performance, and the landlord gained valuable data to inform future investment decisions. While the trial did not eliminate the need for subsequent fabric upgrades, it enabled progress toward decarbonisation without delaying action. As local authorities and housing associations plan their pathway to net zero,
Hybrid solutions are not simply a technical compromise
the short term. Hybrid technology can therefore serve as a strategic interim measure that still aligns with long-term decarbonisation plans. Hybrid solutions are not simply a technical compromise; they represent
a targeted response to the characteristics of certain homes. T ey allow organisations to prioritise insulation and other fabric improvements where they are most eff ective, while ensuring that carbon reductions continue across the rest of the stock. T is adaptive approach is particularly useful for providers seeking to maximise the impact of limited funding streams. A recent case study illustrates the potential. A group of 30 three-bedroom
semi-detached properties, built in the mid-2000s under the Decent Homes framework, underwent an assessment of heating options. T e homes had mixed EPC ratings, with many lacking the insulation levels required for a standalone
system fl exibility is becoming increasingly important. T e heating strategies chosen today must remain adaptable to future regulatory changes, grid decarbonisation, customer needs, and available funding. Hybrid systems off er that adaptability, supporting lower-carbon heating now while keeping future upgrade routes open. While specifi c product decisions will depend on organisational standards
and procurement processes, hybrid approaches more broadly allow landlords to implement meaningful emissions reductions at scale, with lower customer disruption and reduced need for immediate fabric upgrades. Looking forward, the social housing sector may increasingly adopt
mixed-technology portfolios, combining full heat pumps, hybrids, and traditional systems based on property typology and long-term investment strategy. T is targeted, property-specifi c approach mirrors broader trends in energy effi ciency planning, where fl exibility and staged improvements are becoming standard practice. As housing providers continue to balance decarbonisation ambitions with
real-world constraints, hybrid heat pumps are emerging as a pragmatic and eff ective part of the solution. T ey provide a pathway for organisations to reduce emissions today, support customer comfort, and prepare homes for the fully decarbonised future of domestic heating.
Stewart T ompson is national specifi cation manager at Intergas Heating
Supplier
SPOTLIGHT
WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/SHOWCASE/SUPPLIER-SPOTLIGHT Housing Management & Maintenance Summer 2026
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