HYBRIDS & ALTERNATIVE FUEL


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The hybrid way to a more energy-effi cient home


With the UK urging homeowners to be more environmentally conscious in helping to achieve Net Zero ambitions by 2050, a hybrid heat pump could be the viable answer to running a more energy-effi cient home. Darran Smith, technical manager for leading heating manufacturer Alpha, off ers his expert advice on what heating engineers need to know when off ering a hybrid solution…


A


s we move towards a low-carbon future the domestic heating sector is set to go through a revolution over the coming years as the


government regulates a shift away from traditional gas boilers.


With a host of electric heat pumps coming onto the


market, many homes may not meet the requirements to take on a heat pump only off ering. This is where homeowners will undoubtedly be looking to installers to help them decide on how to make the move towards renewable energy. The recent launch of our Alpha E-Tec Hybrid allows


installers to off er a hybrid approach to heating and hot water provision. This system includes an Alpha E-Tec 33 boiler for hot water which is then connected with the Alpha E-Tec EHP external heat pump unit to provide space heating. Supplied with Smartech controls, you have high effi ciency heating and hot water, providing consumers with the perfect pathway into renewable heating. Working to be as effi cient as possible, the system combines live energy prices with the outdoor


temperature to choose the most effi cient combination to heat the home; and when hot water is required, it is provided instantly by the gas boiler. To ensure that the property is heated effi ciently, the system automatically adjusts the heating fl ow and water temperature in the radiators depending on demand and the outside temperature.


As the seasons change, so too does the way the


system works. Throughout Spring and Autumn when the weather is cold enough for a medium temperature output, the heat pump will work effi ciently to provide low carbon heating. As we head to the colder winter months, you’ll fi nd the heat pump and boiler working together, with the boiler supporting the heat pump, to provide the required heat output. For homes without an airing cupboard or those looking to free up some cupboard space, a hybrid system is a good option as the hot water is instantaneous and the need for hot water storage is no longer required. For homeowners also concerned about making drastic changes to the heating system, they need not worry as it can run on existing pipework and radiators. The installation of a ‘heat pump only’ system can


be costly. However, the hybrid approach off ers a transitional step to renewable energy at a lower cost. A hybrid system works on fl ow temperature modulation,


28 May 2023 Alpha’s heat pump hybrid boiler solution


allowing a gradual transition to low temperature heating. Installers should advise homeowners who are unsure about a full heat pump solution that, over time, they could upgrade their radiators, utilise the heat pump more and watch the effi ciency change as the house slowly adjusts to a low temperature system. This helps the homeowner to see how they could eventually build up to a full heat pump off ering.


Hybrid installer checklist


¡ Is the property suitable? You’ll need to discover if the home has suffi cient space and the correct clearance, as


well as whether it falls within permitted development or requires planning permission. ¡ Is there suffi cient power supply? Alpha recommends the heat pump is wired to the consumer board, with its own breaker (16amp). Do you have the correct cables and has a Part P Registered Electrician attended before installation? ¡ Are you ready for installation? Making sure you’ve got the correct pipe lagging and understanding if you’re going to use the anti-freeze valve will result in less setbacks from the get-go. ¡ Is the system commissioned properly? To achieve high effi ciency, the system must be hydraulically aligned? and wired correctly, with the necessary account created for the smart controls (completed with accurate energy tariff s uploaded). Diverting away from the familiar scope of a pure gas boiler installation may feel a challenge. However, it also provides an opportunity to extend your business into new areas as demand for installing renewables increases. Support and training is available from Alpha to help installers embrace these new technologies and confi dently explain their benefi ts to homeowners.


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