A Guide to Ground Source Heat Pumps
Clean energy has been a growing topic in the UK, with guidelines pushing for more green and environmentally friendly energy sources and central heating systems.
With the current steps to implement the boiler ban, heat pumps are poised to potentially replace boilers entirely as UK households’ mainstream renewable heating systems.
Heat pump types
Different types of heat pumps, such as ground-source and air-source heat pumps, are available in today’s market. Despite a more significant initial cost, ground-source heat pumps tend to produce cheaper energy bills in the long term.
Our team of experts at Warmaway has compiled this complete guide to ground-source heat pumps to help you make an informed and responsible buying decision.
What are ground source heat pumps?
Ground source heat pumps are electrical-based renewable heating systems. They are low-carbon, energy-efficient heating systems that can be used with radiators and underfloor heating. Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the earth to generate heat and hot water for your home.
How does a ground source heat pump work?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how heat pumps work to heat homes.
- Ground-source heat pumps work by pipework through the ground, absorbing the earth’s heat to heat fluid in the pipes at low temperatures of around 10-12°C.
- This low-heat liquid travels to an evaporator as part of the heat exchanger, turning it into a gas.
- This gas is then compressed to raise its temperature, generating enough heat to warm your home.
- The generated heat is ready to travel through your home to heat your underfloor heating and radiators and provide hot water.
Installing a ground source heat pump
Before installing a ground source heat pump system, excavation must be done to fit the ground loops (pipes) that extract the heat from the ground.
There are two methods of excavation, and the one that is best for you will depend on your property and the space around it.
The two methods are:
Shallow trough ground heat pump installation
Shallow troughs are where the ground is dug horizontally at a shallow level around 50-150m deep to accommodate the ground loops (pipe systems) that extract the heat.
Ground heat pump boreholes installation
Boreholes are where the ground is dug vertically deep into the earth, up to 15-122m down. The number of boreholes and depth needed entirely depends on your property’s size and surrounding area.
After the excavation, accredited professionals can install the ground loops and the heating system.
Ground source heat pump installation from Warmaway
With Warmaway, installation only takes around a week, depending on the size of your home and the type of excavation needed.
Professional heat pump installation
It is recommended that a licensed and accredited professional install your heat pumps to ensure they are installed correctly and work effectively.
Ground heat pump certification
You need to be certified to install your ground-source heat pumps to ensure the heat pump systems are safe and safe, and expert knowledge is required for installation.
Ground source heat pump costs
Costs for ground-source heat pumps can vary greatly depending on your home size and the surrounding ground. For more information, check out our blog for a full breakdown of heat pump costs.
Ground source heat pump advantages
Why are ground-source heat pumps a good option? Here is why:
Energy-efficient ground source heat pumps
Ground-source heat pumps produce 400% more energy than is required to run them. Even though they use electricity, this is only a small amount to generate the compressor compared to the amount of energy it can produce. This means that for every 1 Kwh of electricity it uses, 4 Kwh of energy is produced in heat.
Low carbon ground source heat pumps
Because they do not produce any fossil fuels, ground-source heat pumps are a fantastic sustainable energy source and can reduce one’s carbon footprint.
Long-term cost savings with ground source heat pumps
Ground source heat pumps are usually expensive due to the high installation costs. However, because they are the most energy-efficient and sustainable heating systems, they will benefit you in the long run with low maintenance costs. For more information on heat pump costs, see our breakdown of fees here.
Boiler upgrade scheme
With the government’s boiler upgrade scheme, you can save £6,000 off your ground source heat pump installation costs. As a result, the reduced fees are even more cost-effective.
Ground source heat pump durability
Ground source heat pumps have a fantastic lifespan of over 25 years, compared to gas heating systems, which have average lifespans of only 10-15 years. This renewable energy heating system is sure to last a very long time.
Ground source heat pump challenges
Here at Warmaway, we want to ensure you get the best heating system for your home. As a result, we are here to give you both ground source heat pump advantages and challenges so you can make the best decision for you and your home:
How much is a ground source heat pump?
Ground source heat pumps are usually more expensive due to the complex construction infrastructure needed in preparation for the installation. However, with the government boiler upgrade scheme, you could receive a grant to help cover some of the costs.
Ground source heat pump home soil
The soil surrounding your property can impact the efficiency of your ground source heat pump through its ability to store and conduct heat, also known as thermal diffusivity.
How effective are ground source heat pumps?
Ground-source heat pumps are an excellent long-term investment for protecting yourself from boiler bans and saving money annually.
However, here are a couple of things that can ensure your ground source heat pumps can perform at the optimum level:
Insulation infrastructure for ground source heat pumps
Ensuring your home is well insulated will mean less insulation is needed before installation. This means the heat generated in your home will keep your home warm for a more extended period.
Radiator replacement for ground source heat pump
Replacement of radiators—Heat pumps, in general, usually work at lower temperatures than gas boilers. Hence, increasing the surface area of your radiators and heating infrastructure can optimise efficiency. This can be done by larger radiators or underfloor heating.
Getting a ground source heat pump installed with Warmaway
Here at Warmaway, we have over 45 years of professional experience and expertise. With this in mind, We can offer you full service for installing and maintaining ground source heat pumps.
For more information, see our FAQs and ground source heat pump page or contact us here.
If you want to install a ground source heat pump, get in touch today.
Trust central heating specialists at Warmaway to set you up with quality heat pumps in Yorkshire.
