Ground source heat pumps

Ground source heat pumps use pipes that are buried in the garden to extract natural energy that is stored in the earth, which is then utilised to heat your home.

There are a number of benefits that are associated with ground source heat pumps, including;

• The ability to reduce your carbon footprint, dependent on which type of fuel you will be looking to replace with a ground source heat pump.
• Lowering your fuel bills, especially in the case that you are using conventional electric heating
• Eliminate the need for fuel deliveries.
• Little maintenance required, with ground source pumps often being classed as ‘fit and forget’ technology as a result.

How do they work?

Ground source heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the ground at low temperatures into a fluid that is inside the loop of the pipe. The temperature of the fluid is then increased as it passes through a compressor, before being used to heat water for the home’s heating system. Once cooled, the fluid makes its way back underground and the process is repeated.

The loop is usually laid flat or coiled in trenches that are buried about two metres deep in the garden. A vertical loop can also be installed, in the case where there is not enough room in the garden, to a depth of 100 metres.

Ground source heat pumps have some environmental impact, as they require electricity to run and are thus not self-sufficient. However the heat they extract is constantly renewed, making for lower energy emissions overall.

What do I need?

To install a ground source heat pump system you will need to consider the following;

• Having a suitable garden. Size isn’t always an issue, but the ground must be suitable for digging and accessible to digging machinery.
• Having a well-insulated and draught proof home, as ground source heat pumps produce heat at a lower temperature than traditional boilers.
• Which fuel you will be replacing. Replacing electricity or coal heating systems will allow the system to pay for itself quickly, however homes with gas heating systems should weigh up the options.
• What type of heating system is currently used? Ground source heat pumps work better with underfloor heating systems and warm air heating systems, but aren’t brilliant with radiator-based systems.
• Installation is cheaper when done for a new development, as it can be carried out alongside building work.