Last Updated on July 3, 2025
Hybrid heat pumps are rapidly gaining popularity among UK homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners looking for efficient, cost-effective heating solutions. If you’re considering upgrading your property’s heating system, understanding hybrid heat pumps is essential to making an informed choice.
This guide explores everything you need to know about hybrid heat pumps in 2025, from how they work, their benefits, costs, and suitability for different property types, to planning permission and energy savings.
Contents
- 1 What Is a Hybrid Heat Pump?
- 2 How Energy Efficient Are Hybrid Heat Pumps?
- 3 Do Hybrid Heat Pumps Require Planning Permission?
- 4 Are Hybrid Heat Pumps Suitable for My Property?
- 5 Do Hybrid Heat Pumps Work With Existing Heating Systems?
- 6 How Much Do Hybrid Heat Pumps Cost in 2025?
- 7 How Much Can I Save with a Hybrid Heat Pump?
- 8 Ready to Cut Your Heating Bills? Request Your Free Air Source Heat Pump Quote Today!
What Is a Hybrid Heat Pump?
A hybrid heat pump combines two heating technologies: an air source heat pump (ASHP) and a traditional gas or oil boiler. This system intelligently switches between the heat pump and the boiler depending on outdoor temperatures and heating demand.
The goal is to maximise energy efficiency and reduce running costs while ensuring consistent warmth throughout the year.
In simple terms, the hybrid heat pump system primarily uses the heat pump for heating when temperatures are mild and switches to the boiler during colder spells, providing optimal performance year-round.
This makes hybrid systems an attractive solution for homeowners comparing heat pumps and gas boilers in terms of flexibility and reliability.
How Does a Hybrid Heat Pump Work?
Hybrid heat pumps operate through a smart controller that monitors outdoor temperatures and energy costs. When it’s warmer, the system uses the air source heat pump to extract heat from the air efficiently, powering your central heating and hot water.
When the temperature drops below a certain point—where the heat pump’s efficiency decreases, the system automatically switches to the boiler to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
This seamless switching allows the system to maximise energy savings while ensuring you’re never left in the cold. Hybrid systems are particularly useful in the UK’s variable climate, where temperatures can fluctuate significantly.
For more on how this technology operates, it helps to understand how heat pumps work in general.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Hybrid Heat Pumps?
| Pros |
| Cons |
When deciding between options like hydrogen boilers vs heat pumps, this dual-system approach can provide a helpful middle ground for those not ready to fully transition from fossil fuels.
How Energy Efficient Are Hybrid Heat Pumps?
Hybrid heat pumps can achieve an average Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 3.5 to 4.5, meaning they produce 3.5 to 4.5 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. This compares favourably to traditional boilers, which often have efficiencies below 90%.
By switching to a heat pump when conditions are optimal, households can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cutting energy bills and lowering carbon emissions. This efficiency boost is particularly significant in well-insulated properties.
For a deeper dive into performance, read our article on air source heat pump efficiency.
Do Hybrid Heat Pumps Require Planning Permission?
In most cases, installing a hybrid heat pump in the UK does not require planning permission, especially when replacing an existing boiler or heat pump. However, there are exceptions, especially for listed buildings, conservation areas, or if the external units are installed in a visually prominent location.
It is advisable to check with your local planning authority before installation to avoid any compliance issues.
If you’re retrofitting, understanding the space requirements for an air source heat pump may also help ensure a smooth installation.
Are Hybrid Heat Pumps Suitable for My Property?
Hybrid heat pumps are suitable for a wide range of properties including:
- Detached, semi-detached, and terraced homes
- Older properties with existing boilers
- Commercial properties with existing heating infrastructure
- UK homes with moderate to good insulation levels
They are an excellent choice if you want to upgrade from a conventional boiler without a full heat pump system overhaul.
Because the boiler remains as a backup, hybrid systems work well in homes where full heat pump adoption may be challenging due to property size, insulation, or heating needs.
If you’re still unsure, take a look at our guide to determine if your house is suitable for a heat pump.
Do Hybrid Heat Pumps Work With Existing Heating Systems?
Yes! One of the key advantages of hybrid heat pumps is their compatibility with existing central heating systems, including:
- Radiators
- Underfloor heating systems
- Hot water cylinders
The hybrid system works alongside your current boiler and heating controls, meaning you do not need to replace your radiators or underfloor pipes unless you want to improve overall efficiency by upgrading to low-temperature heating emitters.
For those keeping existing setups, it’s useful to understand how heat pumps work with radiators in real-world applications.
How Much Do Hybrid Heat Pumps Cost in 2025?
| Heat Pump Size (kW) | Typical Cost of Unit (£) | Estimated Monthly Savings (£) | Estimated Annual Savings (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW (small homes) | £4,000 – £5,000 | £20 – £35 | £240 – £420 |
| 9 kW (medium homes) | £5,000 – £6,500 | £30 – £50 | £360 – £600 |
| 12 kW (large homes) | £6,500 – £8,000 | £40 – £65 | £480 – £780 |
Savings depend on insulation quality, usage patterns, and fuel costs. To get a broader view, you might want to compare these with the cost of replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump to see which option fits your budget best.
What Are the Installation, Running, and Maintenance Costs?
| Cost Type | Estimated Cost Range (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Costs | £5,000 – £8,000 | Depends on property size, existing infrastructure, location |
| Running Costs (Annual) | £400 – £700 | Electricity + gas/oil usage combined |
| Maintenance/Servicing | £150 – £300 per year | Includes servicing both boiler and heat pump |
Hybrid heat pumps tend to have slightly higher maintenance costs due to the dual system but offer savings through reduced fuel consumption. You can also compare these with heat pump running costs to evaluate the long-term return on investment.
How Much Can I Save with a Hybrid Heat Pump?
By switching to a hybrid system, many UK households can expect to reduce their heating bills by 20% to 40%, depending on the size of the property and energy usage habits.
The intelligent switching between heat pump and boiler optimises fuel use, saving money on both electricity and gas bills.
Additionally, government schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) may provide grants of up to £5,000 towards the installation, lowering upfront costs. You can find more details in our full guide on heat pump grants available in the UK.
Ready to Cut Your Heating Bills? Request Your Free Air Source Heat Pump Quote Today!
If you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of a hybrid heat pump and reduce your carbon footprint, Eco Happy is here to help. Our free, no-obligation quote service ensures you get a tailored heating solution designed to fit your property and budget.
James Elston
Boiler Expert
James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.