- HEP Heat and Air
- Hybrid Heat Pump

Hybrid Heat Pump
Hybrid Heat Pump | Heat Repair | Heating and Air Conditioning | Manchester
When Manchester’s skies turn grey or summer sun breaks through, HEP’s hybrid heat pump specialists keep your home perfectly comfortable. Our engineers blend the efficiency of modern heat-pump technology with the reliability of traditional furnaces to deliver seamless heating, cooling and rapid heat repair without the drama. Expect same-day diagnostics, transparent quotes, and workmanship that respects both your schedule and your energy bills.
From quirky Victorian terraces to contemporary flats, we fine-tune every system to the unique character of your property, making drafts and hot spots disappear. Join thousands of Greater Manchester homeowners who trust HEP for eco-smart comfort, 24/7 emergency support, and service so friendly you’ll almost look forward to the next cold snap.
FAQs
What is a hybrid heat pump system and how does it differ from a traditional boiler or a standalone heat pump?
A hybrid heat pump pairs an air-source heat pump with a high-efficiency gas or LPG boiler, allowing the controls to automatically switch between the two heat sources to achieve the lowest running cost and carbon output at any given outdoor temperature. In mild weather the electric heat pump provides virtually all the heating and cooling, while the boiler only fires up during very cold snaps or when you need rapid hot-water recovery. Compared with a conventional boiler you can cut annual heating bills by 30-50 %, and unlike a standalone heat pump you keep full backup heat for extreme Manchester winters without oversizing the outdoor unit.
How do I know if my hybrid heat pump in Manchester needs professional repair?
Warning signs include: (1) the system repeatedly switches to boiler mode even when outdoor temperatures are above 7 °C; (2) grinding, squealing or clicking sounds from the outdoor unit or indoor fan coil; (3) lukewarm air in heating mode or insufficient cooling in summer; (4) sudden spikes in electricity or gas use; (5) error codes such as "E1", "H3" or flashing LED sequences on the heat-pump control board; (6) refrigerant lines icing over or water leaks around the hydrobox. If you notice any of these, shut the system off at the isolation switch and call an F-Gas certified engineer—continued operation can damage the compressor or plate heat exchanger.
Can a hybrid heat pump efficiently handle both heating and air conditioning in Manchester’s variable climate?
Yes. The air-source heat pump side delivers efficient cooling in summer by reversing its refrigeration cycle, similar to a standard air conditioner. Because Manchester’s average summer highs rarely exceed 23 °C, the heat pump can run at low compressor speeds, giving you SEER ratings of 18-20 and very quiet indoor operation. In winter the same unit supplies up to 65–70 °C flow temperatures for radiators or underfloor loops, while the boiler acts only as a supplemental heat source below the economic balance point. Smart weather compensation controls ensure you always use the cheapest energy source available.
What common faults do you encounter during hybrid heat pump repairs in Greater Manchester?
The most frequent call-outs involve: low refrigerant charge from micro-leaks at flare joints; failed outdoor fan motors or PCB relays; scale build-up in the domestic hot-water plate exchanger leading to flow errors; sensor drift causing incorrect defrost cycles; and boiler-side issues such as diverter-valve failure or ignition lockouts. We also see configuration errors after DIY thermostat replacements, where the controller loses its hybrid optimisation logic. Our engineers carry OEM compressors, inverter boards and gas valves for leading brands (Vaillant aroTHERM plus, Daikin Altherma, Mitsubishi Ecodan + boiler hybrids) to deliver on-site fixes in a single visit whenever possible.
How quickly can you respond to emergency heat pump and heating repairs in the Manchester area?
We operate 24/7 across Greater Manchester, Salford, Stockport, and Trafford. For no-heat emergencies reported before 9 pm we aim to have an engineer on site within 2 hours inside the M60 and within 4 hours for surrounding codes (WA14, SK8, OL9 etc.). Our vans are stocked with common spares, leak-sealing kits and refrigerant (R32 & R410A) so that 85 % of breakdowns are resolved on the first visit. All work is backed by a 12-month parts and labour guarantee.
Are there any maintenance steps I can take to prevent future breakdowns of my hybrid heat pump system?
Absolutely. (1) Every month, rinse debris from the outdoor coil fins and ensure at least 300 mm of clear airflow around the unit. (2) Clean or replace indoor air filters every 1–3 months—blocked filters reduce airflow and efficiency. (3) Check the condensate drain for clogs to avoid water damage. (4) Once a year, bleed radiators and top up the system pressure to 1.2–1.5 bar. (5) Schedule a professional service every 12 months (more often in high-use properties) to test refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections and run a combustion analysis on the boiler. Regular maintenance can extend equipment life to 15–20 years and keep manufacturer warranties valid.