PHAM NEWS | MAY 2026 Hybrid HeatingSystems


Why the heat pump-only approach isn’t working


The UK’s approach to decarbonising home heating is not progressing fast enough, says Andrea Carmeli, MD at Alpha, arguing hybrid systems off er a more immediate, practical pathway to reducing emissions in homes.


T


he UK’s transition to low-carbon home heating is proving more challenging than policy


suggests. While the focus is on accelerating heat pump adoption, cost, disruption and property constraints continue to hold many homeowners back. As a result, most still opt for


like-for-like boiler replacements. With around 1.5 million boilers sold each year compared with fewer than 100,000 heat pumps, the gap between ambition and reality is clear. If we want to accelerate progress, we need a more practical way to reduce carbon emissions now. That’s where hybrid systems come in.


Practical way forward A hybrid heating system pairs an electric heat pump with a conventional boiler, automatically switching between the two to maximise carbon savings while helping keep running costs under control. In practical terms, a hybrid


system requires less disruption, less space, is more economical, and off ers a solution that feels more familiar to both installer and homeowner. When faced with replacing a


boiler, most homeowners will choose the simplest option. However, there is a longer-term consideration that should not be overlooked. A new boiler installed today is


likely to remain in place for 10 to 15 years, meaning it will still be in use well into the 2040s, close to the 2050 net zero target. Continuing with like-for-like


replacements delays progress on the path to net zero. It also stores up a future challenge, where homeowners will need to transition directly from a traditional boiler to a fully electric


system in a short space of time. Hybrid systems off er a more


balanced solution. They introduce heat pump technology into the home, delivering immediate carbon reductions while allowing homeowners to become familiar with how the system operates. Over time, this makes the eventual transition to a full heat pump system more manageable. For installers, hybrids require


Andrea Carmeli MD at Alpha Heating Innovation


an extension of existing skills rather than complete retraining. They also provide a wider choice of solutions to off er customers.


Missed opportunity Current government incentive schemes exclude hybrid heating systems – a decision that industry bodies have deemed short-sighted. Energy and Utilities Alliance


 Training on hybrid heating systems helps installers support customers transitioning between gas and heat pump technologies


(EUA) chief executive Mike Foster has argued that the UK’s current heating policy is “misguided and costly”, highlighting that heat pumps working alongside gas boilers could deliver faster carbon savings.


Foster made the comments


at the launch of the policy paper ‘Accelerating decarbonisation of Britain’s homes’, produced by Hybrid Heating Great Britain (HHGB). The paper suggests hybrid systems could cut carbon emissions by up to 70% immediately. It also reported on trials that showed hybrids could reduce energy bills by 16% compared with gas boilers and by around 20% compared with heat pumps alone. Consumer sentiment refl ects


the same trend. Research shows that two-thirds of homeowners believe hybrid systems should be supported by government grants. This points to a signifi cant


missed opportunity. When consumers are willing to adopt lower-carbon technology, policy should enable that transition, not restrict it.


Learning from Europe In countries such as the Netherlands and Italy, home to our parent company Immergas, hybrids are widely adopted and


supported through government incentives. This has enabled a more


gradual transition, allowing homeowners to reduce emissions without the need for immediate full electrifi cation. It has also supported installers in developing broader expertise. The UK market is likely to follow a similar trajectory over time.


Installer business For heating engineers, this presents a clear commercial opportunity. Relying solely on boiler


replacements may be viable in the short term, but it is not a long- term strategy. On the other hand, moving over completely to heat pump installations may not be practical or commercially viable in the current market. Hybrid systems allow


engineers to build experience with heat pump technology while continuing to work with familiar systems. Importantly, including hybrids in the solutions on off er allows a business to position itself as one that understands both current needs and future requirements.


Step forward Hybrid heating systems should not be viewed as a compromise, but as a strategic step on the UK’s path to net zero. They off er a pragmatic way to


reduce carbon emissions now, without waiting for every home to be ready for full electrifi cation, while also building the skills, infrastructure and consumer confi dence needed for tomorrow. In the transition to low-carbon


heating, progress will come from taking the right steps at the right time, and hybrid systems are one of the most eff ective steps we can take today. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/526/35


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