Daikin Hybrid Heating System
The Altherma hybrid heat pump by Daikin is an intelligent heating system which combines an air-to-water heat pump with a gas condensing boiler.
Its smart programming enables it to monitor the outdoor weather, energy prices and indoor heat to determine whether the heat pump or boiler is the most efficient and economical way to heat your home. When it makes that decision, it automatically switches to the best option.
Daikin claim that their hybrid system can help homeowners to save up 35% more energy than a condensing boiler by itself. Over 400,000 Daikin Altherma heat pumps have been installed across Europe since it was launched in 2006.
How do Daikin hybrid systems work?
The Daikin hybrid system includes two main components: the gas condensing boiler which is installed inside your home and the air-to-water heat pump (a fan unit) which is placed outside.
In heat pump mode, it will extract heat from the air outside even at temperatures as low as -15°. This latent heat passes through Daikin's unique dual heat exchanger and condensing technology so it can be used to produce hot water for your radiators and taps. The pump needs a small amount of electricity to run but generates around 3 times more energy than it uses. When in heat pump mode the system is primarily running on renewable energy and can reach an ErP efficiency rating of A++.
When the smart control technology detects that the heat pump is not the most efficient way to heat your home, it will automatically fire up the boiler instead. It will do this automatically but you can also control your system from an app on your smartphone.
Daikin Altherma Hybrid Heat Pump + Multi
If you're interested in air conditioning as well as a heating and hot water system, you may want to consider the Hybrid Multi. By combining Daikin's hybrid heat pump with their multi-split system you can provide your home with a smart all-in-one solution for cooling, heating and hot water all year round.
Why install a Daikin hybrid heat pPump?
Installing a hybrid heat pump has 3 key benefits:
- More energy efficient heating system for cheaper energy bills
- Less reliance on fossil fuels for reduced carbon emissions which is better for our environment
- Longer lasting system as the heat pump and boiler share the workload, reducing wear and tear
These benefits are true of any hybrid heating system, so why choose a Daikin Altherma heat pump?
Eligible for RHI Payments
The heat pump element in the Altherma is eligible the government's RHI payments for 7 years although other criteria needs to be met. Not all hybrid systems are eligible so it's advisable to check with scheme before committing.
Trusted brand
Daikin manufacture a wide range of central heating, air conditioning and ventilation solutions for the modern home. The brand has a reputation for design innovation and high quality and, as a global company, has been operating for more than 90 years. In recent years they have focused their design efforts on smart, energy efficient and affordable solutions including gas condensing boilers, solar systems and heat pumps.
High energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is what a heat pump does best. For every kilowatt of electricity the heat Altherma pump uses, it generates about 3-4 kilowatts of renewable heat from the air. Annually it will be up to 300% efficient while a fossil fuel boiler is less than 100% efficient. The Daikin hybrid heat pump has ErP efficiency ratings of up to A++ for both heating and hot water.
The system will use the heat pump as much as possible to maximise your energy savings and reduce your use of gas or LPG. The Altherma will intelligently and automatically switch between the heat pump and boiler to deliver the most economical way to heat your home for the weather conditions and your energy tariff.
Easy to control from anywhere
The system is automated to adjust itself automatically to the most efficient heating method, but for when you do want to take control it's really easy to do so. The Altherma has a user-friendly, backlit controller or you can use your smart device to control it via the Daikin app. With this app you can adjust the room and hot water temperatures, activate time schedules to suit your lifestyle, switch between heating and cooling modes, set holiday periods and more.
Simple installation
Some homeowners may be put off the idea of a new type of heating system as they imagine a complex, time consuming installation. This would be a particular problem for homes with a broken boiler who can't be without hot water. Luckily, this isn't an issue with Daikin's hybrid system as the boiler element can be installed before the heat pump has been commissioned. This means you can get your heating back on as soon as possible.
The Altherma system has been designed to be as compact as possible to minimise installation space and, in most cases, will fit seamlessly with your existing piping and radiators. This avoids the expense and inconvenience of having to replace your whole central heating system. In addition, the heat pump fan unit meets the Permitted Development Regulations so you shouldn't need planning permission (although it's always wise to check).
Reliable and low maintenance
The use of 2 heating technologies has 2 big benefits. Firstly, neither element has to work as hard as they share the load. This should reduce wear and tear meaning simpler maintenance, fewer repairs and a longer life. And if one of them does breakdown, the system will automatically switch to the one that's still working, so won't be without heating while you're waiting for a repair.
Is a Daikin hybrid heat pump right for you?
If you're planning to replace your gas or LPG boiler, the Altherma hybrid could be a great choice. It combines the familiarity of your boiler with the energy saving benefits of the heat pump in an automated combined solution. There are 2 main pieces of technology to install; you'll need to have enough indoor and outdoor space for them as well as some extra clearance space so there is a good flow of air around it:
- Combi boiler (indoors): 1075 x 450 x 405mm (H x W x D)
- Fan unit (outdoors): 735 x 832 x 307mm (H x W x D)
The Altherma works with all types of radiators but for the highest energy savings you should always choose low temperature large radiators as heat pumps work best when they emit heat at a lower temperature but over a larger surface area. This is why they are particularly well suited to underfloor heating systems.
The boiler is a Combi boiler which means it produces hot water for heating and taps on demand. It doesn't keep a store of hot water which means it's not always suitable for homes with more than one bathroom or a particularly high demand for hot water. However, for homes with a higher hot water demand, you can incorporate a separate hot water cylinder or even a solar thermal system to boost the hot water supply.
Cost of a Daikin hybrid heat pump
To install a Daikin Altherma hybrid system you are looking at around £8,000, but this may increase if you need to replace radiators in your home as well and the complexity of the installation itself.
To get accurate prices for a hybrid heating system you should contact several Gas Safe registered heating engineers and compare at least 2-3 quotes. A professional will be able to give you advice about the best heating solution for your home and give you a tailored quote for the work.
You can get up to 3 free, no obligation quotes from Gas Safe engineers here at Boiler Guide. Simply send us an enquiry and we'll find you quotes from up to 3 engineers in your area.
What is a Hybrid Heating System?
Everything you need to know about this alternative heating system.
Hybrid Heating: Pros, Cons and Costs
See how soon you could make back installation costs in bill savings & RHI payments.
Vaillant Hybrid Heating System
Combine the energy savings of a heat pump with your current boiler.
Is a Hybrid Heating System Right For You?
Find out if hybrid heating is best solution for your home.
