Ground Source Heat Pumps explained

How do Ground Source Heat Pumps work?

There are two facets to a ground source heat pump: you have the ground loop (a system of pipes buried beneath the ground), and a heat pump that sits at ground level.

 To initially harness the ambient heat from the earth, the ground source heat pump will pump a mixture of water and anti-freeze around the ground loop which will absorb the naturally-occurring thermal energy and bring it towards ground level. Here, a heat pump will increase the temperature to provide heating for radiators or underfloor heating systems, as well as hot water for domestic use.

The pump essentially functions in the same way a boiler would in a central heating system, but rather than burning fuel to produce heat, it is using ambient geothermal heat. While the pump does still need electricity to operate, the idea is that they use less electrical energy than the heat they produce.

The Pro’s and Con’s 

4 Pro’s:

1. In the long run, ground-source heat pumps will save you money.

• The system runs on electricity, so your need to pay for gas, oil, or solid fuels to heat your home is significantly reduced.

2. You will be considerably reducing your CO2 emissions.

• A typical ground source heat pump saves around 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year when replacing oil

3. You will receive financial aid.

• You can get financial help towards the cost of a ground source heat pump. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme will grant payments to households with a ground source heat pump, averaging between £2,335 and £2,750 a year for a four-bedroom home.

4. Improved energy efficiency

• For every unit of electricity used by the pump, between two and four units of heat will be returned. This level of efficiency will mean you can cut down on wasted electricity which will increase your potential savings.

3 Con’s:

1. You will need enough space for the system to be installed. For instance, you will need a garden/outdoor space that’s accessible for digging machinery.  How big the ground loop is depends on how big your home is and your specific heat requirements.
2. The heat pump does still require an accompanying source of power – typically electricity – so there will still be some resulting CO2 emissions.
3. There is a somewhat significant cost involved with the installation of domestic geothermal technology. However, here at Groundtherm, we will work with you to consider if it is definitely your most cost-efficient solution.

Why Use Groundtherm as your Ground Source Heat Pump Provider?

Our Manchester-based renewable heating solutions company, Groundtherm, will plan, install, and project manage the installation of your ground source heat pump. Our experience and expertise working with all manner of renewable energy sources mean we are fully equipped to help you achieve your energy-saving objectives and obtain a source of clean, renewable energy for life. Ground source heat pumps are a great way of enjoying a highly efficient energy facility whilst dramatically reducing your carbon footprint and environmental responsibility. Please get in touch to find out more about Groundtherm’s geothermal energy solutions!