Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) use pipes which are buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home.

A ground source heat pump circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, called a ground loop, which is buried in your garden. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump. The ground stays at a fairly constant temperature under the surface, so the heat pump can be used throughout the year.

Energy absorbed from the sun is stored in the ground which in the UK and Ireland maintains a fairly constant temperature of about 12°C. This energy is absorbed into an antifreeze solution which then circulates in pipes buried in the ground. Heat from the ground is absorbed at low temperatures into a fluid inside a loop of pipe (a ground loop) buried underground. The fluid then passes through a compressor that raises it to a higher temperature, which can then heat water for the heating and hot water circuits of the house.

Normally the loop is laid flat or coiled in trenches about two metres deep, but if there is not enough space in your garden you can install a vertical loop down into the ground to a depth of up to 100 metres for a typical domestic home. Heat pumps have some impact on the environment as they need electricity to run, but the heat they extract from the ground, the air, or water is constantly being renewed naturally.

• lowers your fuel bills, especially if you replace conventional electric heating
• could lower home carbon emissions, depending on which fuel you are replacing
• no fuel deliveries needed
• 24/7 heat for your home as well as your water
• minimal maintenance requiredd

Unlike gas and oil boilers, heat pumps deliver heat at lower temperatures over much longer periods. During the winter they may need to be on constantly to heat your home efficiently. You will also notice that radiators won't feel as hot to the touch as they might do when you are using a gas or oil boiler.

Air source heat pumps are becoming more popular in the UK and Ireland as they are significantly less expensive to install. This is because they don’t require any ground works and need less space, which also makes them an excellent choice for urban dwellings, flats and apartments. Water source heat pumps can also be used to provide heating in homes near to rivers, streams and lakes. Please talk to us more about this option if required.