WHY CHOOSE GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS?
Ground-source heat pumps are generally used on bigger properties that need higher outputs. Because they extract heat out of the ground they are more expensive to install than air-source alternatives but they’re more efficient and cheaper to run in the winter when the ground temperature is warmer than the air temperature.
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HOW GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS WORK?
In principle a heat-pump is like a fridge in reverse. The refrigeration system in your fridge cools the inside and generates heat at the back but a heat-pump gets cold outside and heats the house.
Although some systems have bore holes, most ground source heat-pumps have a series of water loops buried in the ground approximately 1m deep where the temperature is between 9 & 12C. The number of loops and the size of the groundworks is dependent on the size of the property and the heat-pump.
The unit is mounted inside and sometimes needs a dedicated plant room. It’s powered by electricity but produces between 3 & 4kW of heat for every 1kW of consumed energy.
All heat-pumps work well with underfloor heating and can be connected to radiators but to maximise efficiency old radiators might need replacement. Normally a new hot water tank is required.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE (RHI) SCHEMES:
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a Government incentive designed to encourage uptake of renewable technologies and ultimately contribute towards the reduction in CO2 emissions.
It is available for Air and Ground source heat-pumps and subject to a successful application you could receive quarterly payments over a seven year period.
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More information can be found via Ofgem or the Energy Saving Trust:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/domestic-rhi/applicants
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/renewable-heat-incentive/
RHI payments vary but for a three-bed house are typically around £2,250 a year. A more accurate estimate can be obtained using the link below: