GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

What is a ground source heat pump?

Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground using pipes that are buried in the garden. This heat Is then used for hot water, to heat radiators or underfloor heating.

The pump works by circulating a mixture of water and antifreeze around a group loop which is buried in your garden. Heat from the ground is absorbed by the antifreeze fluid and is passed through a heat exchanger into the heat pump.

The length of the ground loop will depend on the size of your home and the amount of heat that you will need. A longer loop will draw more heat from the ground, but will obviously require more space to be buried in. If you are limited on space a vertical borehole can be drilled instead.

Because the ground stays at an almost constant temperature under the surface meaning heat pumps can be used all year round.

The benefits...

  • It could lower your bills, especially if you are replacing conventional electric heating
  • Minimal maintenance needed
  • It could lower home carbon emissions (depending on which fuel you are replacing)
  • It could provide you with income through the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
  • It can heat your home as well as your water
  • No requirement for fuel deliveries

is a ground source heat pump right for you?

In a word yes, it is very important you service your existing heat pump, although many companies do not promote this. We are experienced in servicing these units so please contact us to find out more. 

It doesn’t have to be particularly big, but the ground needs to be suitable for digging a trench or a borehole and be accessible to digging machinery

Ground source heat pumps work at their best when producing heat at a lower temperature than your traditional boiler, therefore it’s essential that your home is well insulated and draught-proofed for the heating system to be as effective as possible. 

If the system is replacing an electricity or coal heating system it will become cost neutral and start to pay for itself  quicker. This would take longer to achieve should the system be replacing a mains gas system so this should be a consideration.

Combining the installation with other building work can reduce the cost of installing the system, however these can be installed to most existing properties.

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