Update on Heat Pumps

Another sector where hybrids make a lot of sense

Last year I posted “hybrids are a pretty good compromise”, thinking about EVs. Now I’m glad to learn that heat pump hybrids are also available.

In “Grand Energy ‘Transition’ Unravels…”, May 31st, Azra Dale happens to mention hybrid heat pumps. This sent me on a mission to find out more and to update my May 30 post “Heat Pumps, Efficiency, Costs, Risks, and Feasibility”. I’ve been getting more and more favorably interested in hybrids in many energy sources, like EVs, ships, ferries, and now heating systems.

“Instead of fully-electric heat-pumps, hybrid heat-pumps are being promoted. These hybrid models can be connected to boiler-heating systems and are less demanding on the electricity grid.”

Hybrids are definitely worth looking into. angi.com explains -   “A hybrid heat pump system combines a traditional furnace with heat pump technology. The heat pump element provides electric-powered cooling, like a standard air conditioner, and limited heating when temperatures are mild. The gas-fired furnace kicks in, and the heat pump turns off when the temperature drops below freezing. These systems are also called dual-fuel hybrid HVAC systems for that reason.” 

learn.apolloheatpumps Or with boilers -    “A hybrid heat pump is an energy-efficient heating and cooling system that combines the functions of a traditional heat pump with a secondary heating source, such as a furnace or boiler. This allows the system to automatically switch between the two sources based on outdoor temperature, providing optimal comfort and energy savings.”

Daikin heat pumps writes    “Engineered with our unique dual heat exchanger, the Daikin Altherma hybrid heat pump uses condensing technology to produce heating and domestic hot water 10 to 15% more efficiently than traditional gas condensing boilers.”

Someone wrote in to bobvila.com     “Even though propane is more expensive than nat gas, and this homeowner only had access to propane, “Hybrid heat pump systems are more expensive than traditional systems but can pay for themselves in three to five years—or less, as in our case. And I was pleased to find out during a recent appraisal of our house that a hybrid heat pump system actually adds value to a home.”