Hybrid heat pump systems prove the pragmatic route to decarbonise UK homes

Ewan Sutherland presenting from Worcester Bosch Group   

Inta calls for urgent policy rethink as hybrid heat pump systems prove the pragmatic route to decarbonise UK homes

A panel of industry experts has warned that hybrid heating systems, where an air source heat pump works alongside an existing boiler, could play a crucial role in cutting carbon and costs across Britain’s ageing housing stock, if government policy finally recognises their potential.

The comments came during Inta’s ‘A Missed Opportunity? Why Hybrid Heat Must Be Part of the UK’s Net Zero Plan’ webinar, chaired by Katrina Young of Energy Systems Catapult, and featuring senior representatives from Worcester Bosch Group, the Energy & Utilities Alliance (EUA) and Inta.

Speakers agreed that hybrids offer a realistic, near-term pathway to decarbonisation, especially for older or space-limited homes unsuited to a full heat pump retrofit. Following the discussion, Inta and the panel called for:

• Hybrid eligibility under BUS and successor schemes, with a proportionate grant level.
• A staged, practical retrofit pathway, encouraging households to start with the heat pump, keep the boiler as backup, cut carbon now and upgrade further later.
• Technology-neutral policy, measuring outcomes in real British homes rather than theoretical model properties.

Data shared by Worcester Bosch showed that a well-controlled hybrid can deliver up to 80 per cent of annual space-heating demand via the heat pump, with the boiler only needed for hot water and peak winter conditions. Installers also reported that most replacements are “distress purchases”, making hybrids a practical first step that avoids the cost and disruption of complete system redesigns.

However, the panel warned that policy is lagging behind technology. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides up to £7,500 for heat pumps but excludes hybrids, despite a £295 million budget confirmed for 2025–26.

Mike Foster, Chief Executive of the EUA, said:

“Ministers say they want carbon out of homes, fast. But current policy still behaves as if the only acceptable answer is a full electric heat pump swap in one go.” The group highlighted that hybrids can reduce grid strain during cold snaps and support a gradual upskilling of the installer base.

Stuart Gizzi, CEO of Inta, added:

“We know hybrids are a solution. That’s why we created a standalone hybrid control unit and continue to provide pragmatic products that help installers and homeowners take realistic steps towards decarbonisation. The industry recognises this is the right thing to do, but the government needs to start listening. We should be thinking 50 years ahead, not just 25.”

The panel concluded that policy should be technology-neutral, support hybrid eligibility under BUS, and promote a staged retrofit pathway that cuts emissions now while preparing homes for the future.

CLICK HERE to view the full webinar

‘A Missed Opportunity? Why Hybrid Heat Must Be Part of the UK’s Net Zero Plan’

CLICK HERE To learn more about Inta’s hybrid control technology