RENEWABLE ENERGY

Ground Source
Heat Pumps

WHAT IS A GSHP? GSHP BENEFITS COSTS & SAVINGS

GRANTS & FINANCE GSHP EFFICIENCY THINGS TO CONSIDER

PLANNING PERMISSION INSTALLATION PROCESS FIND A GSHP INSTALLER

WHAT IS A GSHP? GSHP BENEFITS COSTS & SAVINGS GRANTS & FINANCE GSHP EFFICIENCY THINGS TO CONSIDER PLANNING PERMISSION INSTALLATION PROCESS FIND A GSHP INSTALLER

If you are looking for an efficient renewable heating system that benefits from reduced emissions and fuel bills, then a ground source heat pump could be a practical solution for you.

What is a ground source heat pump (GSHP)?

A ground source heat pump (GSHP) extracts heat from the ground using pipes buried underground, either in the garden or on adjoining land. This can then be used to heat water in radiators and underfloor heating – as well as providing hot water.

How does it work?

The pipes for a GSHP system are most commonly buried horizontally in a trench, about a metre below ground, providing enough space is available to do this. Alternatively, boreholes can be drilled to extract heat from further down.

The way a GSHP works is by circulating a fluid made up of water and antifreeze through a ground loop buried in a garden. The heat from the ground is absorbed at low temperatures by the liquid which then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump.

Benefits of using a ground source heat pump

Because the ground temperature is relatively consistent throughout the year there are numerous benefits to using a ground source heat pump heating system:

Your fuel costs may be reduced, particularly if replacing heat by direct electric, LPG, coal or oil
You could earn income from the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive
Reduced carbon emissions
Provides hot water and heat for your property
No need for fuel deliveries
Reduction in annual maintenance costs

How much does a GSHP cost and save?

Ground source heat pumps can be expensive to install initially but they can also offer considerable savings in the long term.

System costs

The cost of a ground source heat pump will depend on several factors, such as the property, its location and the ground loop system chosen. A horizontal trench system would cost less to install than a vertical one as boreholes require specialist equipment. However, a ground trench system may not always be feasible as it is dependent on suitable land space and ground conditions.

The average cost of a GSHP pump with installation is estimated at around £18,000 according to installations registered on our job registration system.

Potential savings

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) of your GSHP will determine what you will save on your heating bill. The COP is a measure of the efficiency of the heat pump. For instance, if the GSHP has a COP of 4, then it will output 4kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity consumed by the heat pump.

Installation costs

Extensive excavation work may be required for the installation of a GSHP. Trenches or boreholes will have to be dug for the heat pump loops, which can be buried either horizontally in a shallow channel (between 1m-2m deep), or vertically in a borehole (at a depth ranging from 15m to 120m).

Depending on the local geology, drilling and lining a borehole for the GSHP could cost in the range of £60 to £100 per metre. *¹

Grants & financial support

Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive

If you install a ground source heat pump, then you may be eligible to receive regular cash payments for the heat you generate over seven years through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), the UK Government scheme to encourage the uptake of renewable heat technologies.

Please note, the DRHI is now closed to new applications.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Recently, Government has announced plans for a new initiative known as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which looks to reduce the cost of low carbon heating technologies, such as heat pumps, so that they are more affordable for consumers to buy and run. As part of the Scheme, a £6,000 grant will be available for ground source heat pumps for those who meet the eligibility requirements. Find out more here.

How efficient are ground source heat pumps?

The efficiency of a ground source heat pump system will depend on the quality and design of the installation. However, modern ground source heat pumps can be very efficient and may deliver between three to four kilowatts of heat to the property for every kilowatt of electricity used to power the pump.

What to consider?

There are several factors to consider when thinking about having a ground source heat pump installed:

Although the grounds of your property don’t necessarily need to be large, the land would have to be accessible for specialist digging equipment and suitable for a trench to be dug or borehole drilled.
Ground source heat pumps work best in a well-insulated property as they generate heat at a lower temperature than traditional boilers.
If you’re replacing an electricity or coal heating system then a ground source heat pump should deliver significant savings, particularly if the property is well insulated. If you currently use mains gas then switching to a GSHP may not be the best option.
If you have an underfloor heating or a warm air heating system, rather than radiators, then a ground source heat pump will perform much more efficiently due to the lower temperatures needed.
If the property that you are installing the ground source heat pump into is a new development then you will be able to reduce the cost of installation by combining it with other building work. The property can also be designed to higher insulation values, making the GSHP more efficient.

Planning permission

It is always advised to check with your local authority to find out whether or not you need planning permission for ground source heat pumps. However, domestic ground source heat pumps are usually allowed as permitted developments.

The installation process

There are several stages to consider when taking the first steps in having a ground source heat pump system installed:

The vital first step is to have an installer visit your home and establish what it is you want, including type of pump and how the energy will be distributed.
The installer will then assess your property and check the geology and hydrology of the soil.
Then they will work out the requirements of your hot water and heating systems and check how well your home is insulated.
Once the installer has all of this information they will be able to design a ground source heat pump system for your house.
The groundwork will then be excavated so that pipes can be buried in the soil. This usually takes one or two days.
The pipes will then be laid, connected and tested and the contractor will start to modify the ductwork, replacing your old heat distribution infrastructure with a newer one if necessary. This can take an installer three to four days if working alone.
The heat pump will then be installed and connected to the ductwork, the ground loop and the heating system.
Then your installer will give you a full demonstration on how to operate and maintain your new ground source heat pump system.

Find an installation company

You should always choose a reputable installation company to fit your ground source heat pump system. All HIES Accredited Installers are continually vetted in many areas in order to give consumers trust, confidence and peace of mind.

Find your nearest HIES installer