According to an industry survey, the demand for hybrid heating solutions is increasing, as two thirds (66%) of heating professionals look for a way to respond to the heating and hot water needs of vast and varied property portfolios.

Commissioned by Baxi Heating’s commercial brands – Andrews Water Heaters, Potterton Commercial, SenerTec and Remeha – the poll highlights a strong commitment to investing in hybrid systems, which are seen as a good medium term approach to decarbonisation.

More than a third (37%) of respondents said they were considering a hybrid system, while just under a third (29%) said they had already chosen them.

Those who responded to the survey, including heating engineers, specifiers and end users, identified that hybridisation offers more flexible system integration and lower risks, although they also recognised that some technologies were not yet cost competitive.

When asked what manufacturers could do to encourage the take up of multi-technology systems, almost two thirds (62%) said that cost was crucial, whether in terms of the upfront investment or that evidenced via a whole life approach.

Almost a quarter (23%) said that there was a need for better marketing from technology providers to raise awareness of the benefits, while less than a fifth (15%) thought that providers should focus on control strategies as a way to promote greater uptake.

The survey was part of an industry report designed to uncover changing attitudes towards the decarbonisation of heat and the underlying heat strategies implemented by building owners.

It was launched to an audience of industry commentators at the London Capital Club, with keynote speeches by Tim Rotheray, director at the Association of Decentralised Energy (ADE), Ross Anderson, director at the Industrial and Commercial Energy Association (ICOM), Keith Horgan, industry stakeholder manager at Ofgem, Chris Jennings, strategic development manager at Sustain, and Julie Allen, energy manager at Nando’s Chickenland.

Andrew Keating, marketing director UK and Ireland for Baxi Heating (pictured above), said: “The findings in our poll demonstrate a huge appetite for hybrid systems, which are really taking centre stage in the decarbonisation debate.”

He continued: “It’s a trend that makes a great deal of sense, given that multi-technology solutions offer improved reliability through built-in redundancy, maximise overall seasonal efficiency, and are a practical, affordable route to upgrading existing heating systems in order to lower the overall carbon footprint.

“And there is more good news. Our survey also uncovered the fact that three quarters of respondents are looking at low carbon heating solutions, so there is a clear desire to decarbonise the industry.

“Overall our report highlights a significant opportunity for forward-thinking manufacturers in the shape of ongoing investment into the research and development of low carbon technologies, and working alongside government in helping to design legislation that can support the future of our industry.”

The report is available to download from www.andrewswaterheaters.co.uk