Advertorial - Could a hybrid heating system be right to help your carbon reduction targets?
Commercial buildings are often in the spotlight as owners and operators face increasing pressures to reduce their carbon footprint as part of the nation’s journey towards Net Zero. It is important to be aware of the options available when a complete ‘ground up’ overhaul to a commercial building is difficult. David Myddleton-Jones, Sales Director for Commercial Systems at Vaillant, explores why a hybrid heat pump and boiler system could come into its own to help reach targets, and looks at where those with responsibility for the energy performance of a commercial building can turn for advice.
Retrofitting a hybrid combining a high performance heat pump with an existing boiler offers a practical and cost effective solution. It can achieve significant carbon savings without the financial pressure, disruption and inconvenience of a complete heating system overhaul.
Why a hybrid system?
A hybrid system is ideal for businesses and organisations with carbon reduction targets but are unable to replace their existing heating system with a complete heat pump solution. This could be schools, offices, care homes and even churches!
By integrating proven low carbon technologies such as a heat pump to supplement an existing boiler, building owners and operators can significantly lower their carbon emissions and start the transition process towards a more sustainable and decarbonised future.
How does a hybrid system work?
A hybrid system offers a ‘best-of-both-worlds’ approach by generating significant energy savings and lowering carbon emissions compared to a traditional boiler alone. The heat pump handles most of the demand during moderate weather and the boiler serves as a reliable back-up during very cold conditions.
In a hybrid system, the heat pump is the primary heat source, offering a renewable and energy efficient solution. The existing boiler acts as a back-up, kicking in only when additional heat is required during peak demand or when energy prices make it more cost effective. Controls intelligently switch between the two technologies based on factors such as outside temperatures and current energy costs, ensuring the most efficient solution to match the needs of building users. And to support individual building demands, Vaillant’s range of advanced controls for hybrid systems allow for both bivalent (temperature based) and trivalent (temperature, appliance and cost based) solutions, automatically choosing the most efficient times to operate heat pump or boiler, optimising energy usage and minimising carbon emissions as the heating system provides warmth and comfort for building occupants.
Vaillant’s solutions
Vaillant offers the aroTHERM plus heat pump, which is ideally suited for hybrid systems in commercial buildings. The aroTHERM plus air source heat pump combines great performance, energy efficiency and sustainability, with an energy efficiency class of A+++.
The aroTHERM plus also uses natural refrigerant R290 and can provide up to 25% more usable hot water with a 75°C flow temperature. Its low Global Warming Potential of 0.02 makes it climate friendly.
Finally, customers have the purchasing reassurance that all the company’s heat pumps are designed and built in-house by Vaillant, guaranteeing build quality and long-term performance.
Where can Vaillant help?
Vaillant supports contractors throughout the entire process of designing and installing hybrid systems as part of a retrofit project for various commercial building types:
• Initial consultation: Vaillant’s sales teams serve as the first point of contact, gathering essential information about the building and its heating requirements.
• System design: The System Sales and Design team develop a tailored solution to meet specific carbon reduction targets, utilising utility bills to estimate current carbon usage and outlining the scope and scale of potential savings.
• Site visits and support: For contractors, Vaillant offers site visits and direct support to ensure a smooth installation process.
• Appliance Function Check: Vaillant offers an appliance function check (AFCs)*(charges apply) to ensure the heat pump has been installed and is functioning according to manufacturer specifications.
• Maintenance packages: Vaillant provides service packages to ensure the long-term performance and efficiency of the hybrid system. Contact Vaillant for pricing details.
Your next step
Ready to reduce your carbon footprint with a hybrid heating system? Contact Vaillant today to discuss your specific needs and explore the possibilities.
Please contact your local Vaillant Regional Business Manager or call 0345 602 0262.
