Ground Source Heat Pumps | Sustainable Heating To HELP You SAVE Money!

Sustainable Heating: Ground Source Heat Pumps

In June 2011 the Government will be launching the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, designed to help encourage properties to switch to renewable, low-carbon heating. There has never been a better time to upgrade your home, reduce your carbon footprint and cut down on your energy bills, and using a ground source heat pump is just one way that this can be achieved.

What is a ground source heat pump?

A ground source heat pump extracts heat from the ground and uses it to heat your home. The heat pump is buried in the garden and it uses the fairly constant temperature of the ground to heat water, which can then be transferred to your radiators, underfloor heating and hot water system.

How does a ground source heat pump work?

A ground source heat pump extracts heat from its outside surroundings in the same way that a refrigerator extracts heat from its interior. A mixture of antifreeze and water is piped through the heat pump where it absorbs heat from the ground. Although these temperatures are low, the heat is then concentrated using a heat pump compressor producing higher temperatures that would be capable of heating water for your heating system.

What are the advantages of a ground source heat pump?

A ground source heat pump is a renewable source of energy that can lower your property’s carbon footprint, provided that it is suitable for your home it will also lower your fuel bills and fulfil your heating and hot water needs. A heat pump requires little maintenance and a ground source heat pump is preferable over an air source heat pump because once installed it is more efficient.

Is a ground source heat pump suitable for my property?

In order to install a ground source heat pump you will need a garden and a large underground area in which a trench can be dug for the necessary loops. You should also consider whether or not there is accessibility to the area for the necessary machinery. A ground source heat pump will only effectively fulfil your heating needs if your home is well insulated and draught proofed. Similarly it works best with underfloor heating systems or larger radiators as it produces lower temperatures than conventional heating methods. Heat pumps are most suitable for properties that currently rely on electric or solid fuel heating; it is not generally considered cost-effective for homes that use gas heating.

How much does a ground source heat pump cost?

Fully installed, a ground source heat pump costs between £9,000 and £17,000. You then need to consider the costs of running a ground source heat pump, which will vary depending on the size and insulation in your home and your heating needs.

How much will I save using a ground source heat pump?

Because the heat pump still requires electricity to work you will still need to pay a fuel bill, how much you save depends on the suitability of your property for heating via a ground source heat pump and the efficiency of the system. In order to maximise savings you should ensure your heating system uses large-area radiators and that your house is fully insulated. There is little to no savings from using a ground source heat pump for homes already on the gas network so this is not recommended. For those currently using electric heating, properties could benefit from an annual saving of £420 in a typical performing system according to the Energy Savings Trust. Similarly houses on solid fuel could save £260 a year on their fuel bills.

Ground source heat pumps may not be suitable for every home, you may wish to consider an air source heat pump or solar panels, which could also fulfil your heating needs and help make your property more environmentally friendly.