Ground Source Heat Pumps

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Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground Source Heat Pumps are a highly economical way of providing both heating and hot water to a dwelling or commercial properties, especially those off the gas network. The heat pump works by using a series of pipes buried in the ground to extract heat where temperatures remain fairly constant year round in comparison to above surface ambient air temperatures meaning they can be used throughout the whole year to produce heat including winter. They offer exceptionally high levels of efficiency, achieving significant reductions in both CO2 emissions and energy bills.

The heat generated by the pump which can replace a conventional boiler can then be utilized throughout a building/property, providing immediate hot water and working optimally in conjunction with under-floor heating, large radiator central heating systems. Within a domestic property, a ground source heat pump should provide a complete solution to all of a property’s heating and domestic hot water needs and is a suitable replacement for conventional oil, LPG, gas and electric heating systems.

Ground Source Heat Pumps can:
• Help cut heating bills by up to 70%
• Cut your CO2 emissions
• Can be used with your existing heating system- reducing installation costs
• Reduce on storage needed for conventional fuels (Coal, Oil)

Benefits of Ground Source

• A lower Carbon option: No carbon emissions at the site, only electricity is used to run the pump, Heat Pumps are an eco-friendly alternative to oil, gas and LPG. Although they require electricity to operate, the output generated is around 2.5 to 4.5 times the power input. If a renewable source of electricity is used, for example, photovoltaic panels, they are completely carbon neutral.

Fuel SourceGround Source Comparison
Gas 34% Reduction
LPG 40% reduction
Oil55% Reduction

• Reduction in need for fossil fuels: Ground heat pumps provide clean and efficient use of free environmental friendly energy, reducing the need for more conventional boiler fuels such as Coal, oil and LPG.

• Cutting bills: Can cut heating bills by up to 70%, every kW of electricity used to run the heat pump generates roughly 4.2 kW to heat your home, leading to lower energy bills which are independent from unpredictable rising fossil fuels.

Heating MethodAverage Annual Cost of Heating
Ground Source Heat Pump £400
Air Source Heat Pump £600
Biomass £670
Biomass £750
Oil £900
LPG 1150
Electricity £1700

• Technology: Although relatively new in the UK, ground source heat pumps have been tried and tested for several years throughout Europe (especially Germany) and are a very reliable and established technology.

• Low maintenance: The basic mechanism is similar to that of a refrigerator, with very few moving parts and processes that can go wrong – What little maintenance that is necessary is ensuring the pump is free from debris and leaf litter. Ground source heat pumps are generally considered a ‘fit and forget’ technology although an annual survey is also recommended for which a service can be provided.

• Fuel storage space: Unlike oil and LPG which require large storage tanks and biomass boilers which require wood/pellet storage, there is no fuel storage space required with ground source wherein the fuel itself is the heat from the earth providing peace of mind in which there is no need to store large volumes of combustible fuel on the premises. The heat pumps also do not require ‘flueing’ as there are no harmful emissions.

• Reduced noise pollution: Ground Source heat pumps produce very little noise, due to the introduction of multi-stage sound insulation operating extremely quietly and efficiently.

In addition to the benefits outlined above, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is also be available for commercial installations offering tariff based payments based on pence per kilowatt of energy produced. The Payments are contractual for 20 years and significantly reduce the payback time of the installation.

Speak to one of our friendly advisors. Call us on 01423 359 600 or Make an enquiry