What is the ground source heat pump?

The ground source heat pump is a popular installation in the UK and helps to reduce your energy bills, whilst also providing you a fantastic return on investment. Heat is collected from the ground and the pump increases this core temperature so it’s suitable for use in the home.

The ground source heat pump will need electricity to run, but the idea is you’ll still be saving more energy than you use for operation. Effectively, a geothermal system will provide the same role as the central heating boiler but instead of burning fossil fuels it makes use of renewable heat energy.

There are air source heat pumps available too, and these take heat from the air rather than the ground. Systems are installed close to one of your home’s external walls rather than in the ground.

What is a ground source heat pump system?

The basic design of a ground source heat pump is a loop of piping installed under the ground, which collects heat and distributes it to your central heating system. The heat passes through a compressor so the temperature can be increased and made suitable for your home.

The piping contains a mixture of water and anti-freeze, absorbing heat that’s stored in the ground. This heat remains at a consistent temperature throughout both summer and winter, so the system will operate all year round.

The ground source heat pump will increase temperatures of ground heat between 1.5 and 4 times, so if the temperature is 12°C, it’ll rise to between 18 and 48°C. This heat can then be distributed with radiators, underfloor heating or for your hot water supply.

Ground source heat pump benefits

There are a number of benefits associated with geothermal heat pumps, including:

• The opportunity to slash yearly heating bills by generating your own heat from a renewable source, rather than paying the National Grid prices. In fact you can save £650 each year by replacing electrical heating
• A fixed income from spring 2014 under the Renewable Heat Incentive. The Government scheme will pay you for seven years on the renewable heat you produce



• A grant for the cost of installation, worth up to £2,300
• Creating less carbon emissions than with other forms of heating, helping the environment and cutting your own carbon footprint. Annually you can save over 5,000kg.

Drawbacks to ground source heat pumps

• The installation costs are generally higher than air source heat pump counterparts. However this is reflected by the larger grants available and higher Renewable Heat Incentive tariffs on offer
• Heat pumps aren’t as suitable for homes on the gas grid as savings achievable aren’t as much as when replacing electric or oil heating systems.

Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share

• A heat pump is capable of generating enough heat to reduce your annual energy bills by up to £650.
• The Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive will pay out hundreds of pounds a year for the renewable heat produced.
• Cash grants of up to £2,000 are available to help fund the purchase of heat pumps.
• As gas and electricity prices continue to rise, heat pumps will provide greater savings for the years to come.