Hybrid heating system service: the key to efficient home comfort

Having the right heating and cooling system will make a huge difference to your home when it comes to keeping it nice and toasty in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer. 

Hybrid heating systems (also known as dual-fuel systems) are the combination of a heat pump with a boiler taking its power from another source, such as an LPG source (liquid petroleum gas). This is much more efficient compared to oil, electricity or house coal.

There are two types of hybrid heating systems:

Bivalent hybrid systems: allow you to set a temperature threshold for switching between your heat pump and boiler. For example, you can choose to have the heat pump run when the outside temperature is above 0°C, and let the boiler take over when it drops below that. This flexible approach gives you more control over how your system responds to colder weather.

Tariff-controlled systems: takes the thinking out of it. These smart setups monitor your energy tariff, automatically switching between the heat pump and boiler based on cost and efficiency. This means your home stays comfortable, and you get the best value without lifting a finger.

It’s essential to have your hybrid heating system serviced regularly to maintain warmth and energy efficiency throughout the year. Hybrid systems (like those mentioned here) are designed to optimise comfort and minimise energy consumption, but by automatically switching between energy sources based on outdoor temperature and demand.

Keep your home warm and energy-efficient all year round by learning how regular hybrid heating system service boosts performance, lowers costs, and extends system life.

Why having a regular service is important

Heat pumps are much more energy efficient than traditional boilers, because they’ll substantially reduce the carbon footprint in your home. There’s the potential to make huge savings with smart tariffs and cheaper off-peak rates and by having a regular service in place, you can take care of those savings with the following incentives:

• Boosting your system performance: routine maintenance ensures all components – both the heat pump and the backup boiler – are operating at peak efficiency, while delivering consistent heating and cooling.
• Lowering energy costs: Well-maintained systems use less energy, which means lower utility bills. This is especially important in the UK, where energy prices fluctuate significantly.
• Extending your system’s life: regular inspections and tune-ups help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs, maximising the lifespan of your investment.
• Maintaining your manufacturer warranties: Many manufacturers require annual servicing to keep warranties valid, protecting you from unexpected expenses.
• Improving home comfort: a correctly serviced system responds more quickly to temperature changes, which will maintain a stable and comfortable indoor environment.

What does a hybrid heating system include?

A hybrid heating system combines the efficiency of a heat pump with the backup power of a boiler. To keep everything running smoothly, having a routine service covers both systems and how they work together with:

• The inspection and cleaning of heat pump coils and filters
• Checking refrigerant levels and system pressures
• Testing the boiler or furnace for safe and efficient operation
• Verifying controls and thermostat calibration
• Ensuring seamless switching between heating sources

How to tell when your hybrid system needs servicing

Even a well-installed hybrid heating system can show signs of wear and tear over time. If you notice uneven heating, a rise in energy bills, strange noises or smells, or your system switching between boiler and heat pump more often than usual, it may be time for a service. These symptoms often point to underlying inefficiencies, and catching them early can help avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

Investing in regular hybrid heating system service ensures reliable comfort, better energy efficiency, and peace of mind for your home, no matter the season.

Regular system servicing will boost your system performance

By ensuring all the components (both the heat pump and the backup boiler) operate at peak efficiency, the system will deliver consistent heating and cooling as and when necessary.

Optimised system performance

Routine maintenance ensures both the heat pump and boiler components operate at peak efficiency. This allows the system to maximise the heat pump – typically the more energy-efficient and lower-carbon option – while only switching to the boiler when necessary, such as during periods of extreme cold or when it’s more cost-effective to do so. By keeping all parts clean, calibrated, and functioning properly, energy waste is minimised, optimising the system for changing conditions.

Reduced gas and energy consumption

A well-maintained hybrid system will allow the heat pump to meet up to 80% of a home’s annual heating demand, significantly reducing reliance on the gas boiler. 

Studies have shown that hybrid systems can cut gas consumption by as much as 75%, substantially reducing energy use and carbon emissions. Servicing helps ensure these savings are realised, preventing faults or inefficiencies that would otherwise force the system to rely more heavily on the boiler.

Lower operating costs

Efficient operation means the system uses less energy overall, which translates into lower utility bills. For example, a hybrid system can reduce annual operating costs by 7% compared to a gas boiler alone, and by 23% compared to an electric heat pump on its own, depending on energy prices and usage patterns. Regular service helps maintain these cost benefits.

Enhanced system longevity and reliability

Regular checks and preventive maintenance reduce wear and tear, minimising breakdowns and extending the life of both the heat pump and boiler. This protects your investment while ensuring efficient operation for years to come.

Immediate and sustained carbon savings

By maximising the proportion of heating provided by the heat pump and minimising boiler use, having a regular service helps hybrid systems achieve immediate carbon savings – up to 60% less carbon-intensive than gas heating alone, with potential to reach 80% as the electricity grid decarbonises further.

Peace of mind all year round

Regular hybrid system servicing doesn’t just protect your comfort, it safeguards your investment, ensures compliance with manufacturer warranties, and keeps you ahead of unexpected repair costs. With expert care, you’ll be able to rely on your system to perform efficiently, safely, and consistently through every season.

For reassurance that your hybrid system is running safely, efficiently, and ready for whatever the weather brings, get in touch with ServiceMy today. Let our expert engineers take care of all the details so you can enjoy year-round comfort and peace of mind.