As the drive towards net zero gathers pace, commercial building owners and operators are under increasing pressure to decarbonise their heating systems. Yet, for many, the transition to 100% renewable heating is not financially or technically feasible in the short term. That’s where hybrid heating systems – combining air source heat pumps with high-efficiency gas boilers – are stepping in to bridge the gap.
What is a hybrid heating system?
A commercial hybrid heating system integrates a heat pump, which provides low-carbon heating for the majority of the year, with a gas condensing boiler that operates as a supplementary or “top-up” source during periods of high demand or low outdoor temperatures.
This intelligent pairing allows the system to automatically switch between heat sources based on efficiency, demand, and even energy tariffs. The result is a solution that reduces carbon emissions and running costs, while maintaining comfort and reliability.
At Ideal Heating Commercial, our ECOMOD monobloc air source heat pumps are designed with hybrid applications in mind. When paired with our UK manufactured Evomax 2 wall-hung or Imax Xtra 2 floor-standing commercial condensing boilers, they create a seamless, high-efficiency system that delivers measurable carbon savings without compromising performance.
Why are hybrid heating systems becoming more popular?
Decarbonisation is high on the agenda for both public and private sector organisations. Government initiatives such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) have injected vital funding to help public bodies reduce emissions. However, competition for funding is fierce – with only around half of applicants successfully securing grants in recent phases.
For those who miss out, hybrid systems offer a practical route forward. It’s about finding the most efficient way to make progress on your decarbonisation journey, rather than waiting for the perfect conditions before you start.
Capital costs for heat pumps and the ongoing disparity between electricity and gas prices – known as the ‘spark gap’ – mean that all-electric solutions can be expensive to install and run. Hybrids mitigate this by using the heat pump as the primary source of heat most of the time, while the boiler only fires up when necessary, reducing operational costs and emissions in tandem.
In addition, not all commercial buildings are suited to full heat pump systems. Older properties with poor insulation or limited electrical capacity may struggle to achieve sufficient heat output from heat pumps alone. In these cases, a hybrid setup delivers dependable performance year-round while still achieving significant carbon reductions.
A real-world example: Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy
A recent installation at Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy in Sheffield demonstrates the benefits of a hybrid approach in action.
As part of its sustainability strategy, the school installed two Ideal Heating Commercial 14kW ECOMOD air source heat pumps operating in cascade, alongside two Evomax 2 40kW commercial condensing boilers. This hybrid system delivers efficient, low-carbon heating with the flexibility to meet fluctuating demand throughout the school year.
Chris Snowden, Technical Operations Manager at Service 2, who oversaw the installation, explains: “The ECOMOD heat pumps are the main heating source, backed up by the new gas boilers at times of heavy demand. It means the school always has sufficient heating without relying solely on gas.”
The result is a robust, future-proofed system that supports Tinsley Meadows’ energy management goals – reducing emissions, lowering energy costs, and ensuring comfort for pupils and staff all year round.
The Ideal Heating advantage
Ideal Heating Commercial is proud to be the UK’s market leader in high-efficiency commercial heating solutions, offering a full portfolio of low-carbon technologies, from commercial boilers and heat pumps to advanced control systems, all with market leading availability.
Beyond products, Ideal Heating provides expert support throughout the decarbonisation journey, including:
- Consultation and specification advice from our nationwide team
- Free commissioning on commercial installations
- CPD training on low-carbon and hybrid system design, available both online and in-person at our Centres of Excellence
Our hybrid-ready ECOMOD heat pumps and high-efficiency condensing boilers are fully compliant with ErP and Building Regulations, providing peace of mind for specifiers, installers, and end users alike.
Bridging the gap to Net Zero
Hybrid heating systems are not a stopgap solution – they are a stepping stone towards a fully decarbonised future. By combining the reliability of gas with the efficiency and sustainability of heat pumps, hybrids allow organisations to make tangible progress towards net zero now, without the prohibitive costs or infrastructure upgrades that an all-electric system might demand.
As Ideal Heating Commercial continues to innovate and support customers across the UK, hybrid systems are proving that low-carbon heating doesn’t have to mean high cost or compromise.
To find out more about hybrid heating systems contact your local business development manager Contact Us
