Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) use pipes that are buried underground to extract heat from the ground, which is then used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home.
A ground source heat pump circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, called a ground loop, which is buried in your garden. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump. As the ground stays at a fairly constant temperature under the surface, the heat pump can be used throughout the year.
The length of the ground loop depends on the size of your home and the amount of heat you need. Longer loops can draw more heat from the ground, but need more space to be buried in. If space is limited, a vertical borehole can be drilled instead.
The benefits of ground source heat pumps
A ground source heat pump circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, called a ground loop, which is buried in your garden. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump. As the ground stays at a fairly constant temperature under the surface, the heat pump can be used throughout the year.
The length of the ground loop depends on the size of your home and the amount of heat you need. Longer loops can draw more heat from the ground, but need more space to be buried in. If space is limited, a vertical borehole can be drilled instead.
The benefits of ground source heat pumps
- Lower fuel bills, especially if you replace conventional electric heating.
- Potential income through the UK government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
- Lower home carbon emissions, depending on which fuel you are replacing.
- No fuel deliveries needed.
- It will heat your home as well as your water.
- Minimal maintenance required.
- Unlike gas and oil boilers, heat pumps deliver heat at lower temperatures over much longer periods.
- In winter, it may need to be on constantly to heat your home efficiently, but radiators won't feel as hot to the touch as with a gas or oil boiler.
- Often they are more difficult to install than air source heat pumps, but ground source heat pumps are often more energy efficient.