Ground Source Heat Pump
Like air source heat pumps these are fitted to individual homes, but they draw their heat from the ground using piping in either bore holes going vertically down or laid horizontally a little under the surface of open areas of ground.
How It Works
More Efficient
More efficient, with lower running costs and air source heat pumps
Consistent Temperature
Normally heat pumps run continuously to maintain a steady temperature
Radiator Upgrades
May require radiator upgrades
The underground piping could be shared between groups of houses.
At least one home has such a system installed and it was found the area was very well suited to this due to water flowing deep in the ground which gives higher efficiency than typical ground source heat pumps. However, large scale use of water source heat pumps would need environmental impact assessment and permission of the Environment Agency.
The main benefit of ground over air source heat pumps is greater efficiency, giving lower running costs. Although installation costs are higher. The efficiency is greater because the temperature of the ground is quite consistent and on a cold winter’s day or night is much warmer than the air.
There is a £6,000 government grant towards the cost of ground source heat pumps.