Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground Source Heat Pumps need loops of pipe work which contain a liquid such as glycol, which has a low freezing point and high heat transference properties. The amount of surface area of pipe required will depend on the size of property that needs to be heated or the hot water demand of the property. The pipes can either be laid horizontally or vertically via a bore hole. If laid horizontally they need to be spaced out correctly to avoid creating a permafrost. With a bore hole you don’t know what you’re going to drill into until you start drilling!

Frequently Asked Questions

How efficient is a Ground Source Heat Pump system?

Ground Source Heat Pumps are very energy efficient. Typically, each kilowatt of electricity used to run the heat pump produces three to four kilowatts of heat delivered to the building.

How much space does a Ground Source Heat Pump take up?

A typical Ground Source Heat Pump unit for a domestic dwelling is about the same size as a fridge.

Can a Heat Pump supply hot water for the house?

Yes. Some Heat Pump systems either ground or air are able to heat domestic hot water. This usually involves the installation of a well insulated water cylinder as well as the Heat Pump.

Can the Heat Pump systems provide cooling as well as heating?

Yes. There are reverse-cycle heat pumps that can deliver both heating and cooling. This works well with under-floor heating systems.

What type of buildings are Ground Source Heat Pumps best suited for?

Well insulated draft free buildings are most suitable for Ground Source Heat Pumps as they do not heat the water up to much above 45ºC, unlike a conventional boiler.

Do Ground Source Heat Pumps work well with under-floor heating?

Yes. Ground Source Heat Pump systems are ideally matched to modern low temperature under-floor heating.

Can radiators be used inside my house instead of under-floor heating with my Heat Pump?

Yes, they can, but you will need larger radiators, sized for the typical 45°C water temperatures obtained from Heat Pump systems. If your house is well insulated they may be suitable, but check to see how big they would have to be and the space they would take up.

How big are the trenches required for a Ground Source Heat Pump?

A typical heating-only installation for a medium sized, new build detached house would need at least two narrow trenches, each 300 mm wide, 40 to 50 metres long, and 1 metre deep. The trenches can be straight or curved and laid in any direction to suit your site, providing they are always a minimum of 5 metres apart. A standard excavator, such as the type used to dig conventional foundations and footings, can dig the trenches and backfill them after the ground loops have been installed.  The longer the trenches the more energy your Ground Source Heat Pump will be able to harvest.

I have some very wet land. Can I use this inconjunction with a Ground Source Heat Pump?

Yes, wet land is better at conducting heat so, as long as you can physically dig a trench, it’s ideal for use with a Ground Source Heat Pump.

I have a large pond. I have a stream. Could this be used for a Heat Pump?

Yes, it is possible to use very large ponds and fast flowing streams as an energy heat source for Heat Pumps.

Are Ground Source Heat Pumps dangerous? What about servicing and maintenance?

There are no hazardous gas emissions, no flammable oil, LPG or gas pipes, no flue or chimney and no unsightly fuel tanks. GSHP systems have absolutely NO site emissions. There is no need for regular servicing or annual safety checks and maintenance is very low.

How do running costs of a Ground Source Heat Pump compare with conventional alternatives?

It depends what you are comparing. In a modern, well insulated house, a Ground Source Heat Pump system can offer very high efficiency and moderate running costs. An oil-fired boiler would cost considerably more to run, and electric heating would be at least three times as expensive. It is true that the very best of the modern condensing gas boilers may only be a little more expensive to run but that is on current gas prices, which are set to rise.

Are Ground Source Heat Pump systems expensive?

The initial purchase costs of a Ground Source Heat Pump system will be quite a lot more than a conventional oil or gas fired boiler and even an Air Source Heat Pump. The initial one-off expense is offset by the lower running costs, lower maintenance and low servicing requirement. There is also the security of knowledge that the majority of your heating and cooling energy comes out of your ground, is under your control and will not increase in price.

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