Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps use underground pipes to absorb energy, otherwise known as geothermal energy, and transfer it into your home to provide heating and hot water.
Although ground source systems come with higher upfront costs due to their complex installation process, they do offer significant savings in the long run. These extremely efficient and low-maintenance systems will reduce your carbon footprint and help you achieve your sustainability goals.
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Everything You Need to Know About Ground Source Heat Pumps
What Are the Benefits of Ground Source Heat Pumps?
Ground source heat pumps present considerable financial savings over time, as well as reducing your CO2 emissions; you can save up to 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year when replacing oil heating systems. As temperatures are more stable underground than in the air, ground source heat pumps operate more efficiently, especially in colder months. They can attain a high Coefficient of Performance (COP), usually around 4-5, so for every unit of electricity used, the heat pumps will produce 4-5 units of heat. This results in much less wasted energy, even more so than air source systems.
Is Ground Source Right For Your Home?
There are a few different factors to consider when making the transition to renewable energy in your home, such as:
Accessible Land Space
Ground source heat pumps use a ground loop system, which requires either horizontal trenches or vertical boreholes for installation. The size of your land space will determine whether you require a horizontal or vertical system.
Home Insulation
Due to their lower temperatures, ground source heat pumps are most efficient in well-insulated homes. If you don’t have good insulation, you may want to consider upgrading to get the best performance out of your heat pump.
Current Heating and Fuel Systems
These systems work best with either underfloor heating or larger radiators designed for low-temperature heating systems. You should consider the type of fuel used in your current heating system. For example, if you have electric, oil or LPG systems, ground source systems can save you a huge amount of money and energy. However, if you currently use natural gas, you may not see as big savings — although it does depend on the efficiency.
Local Ground Conditions and Permissions
The land around your home must be suitable for excavation — generally, areas with looser soil and high water content work best for ground loops as they conduct heat better. Areas with rocks and harder soil may make the installation difficult. You’ll need to check whether or not you’ll need planning permission, especially when installing vertical boreholes. When assessing your property, we will thoroughly examine your outside area to find out if it’s suitable.
Budget
Because of the groundwork involved, ground source heat pumps tend to come with a higher upfront cost. Having said that, they generally cost less to run, meaning in the long term, they are more cost-effective.
Future Plans
Make sure you really consider your future plans; if you’re planning to move home in a couple of years or so, then it’s probably not the best choice for you. However, if you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, or even if you’re building a new home, then ground source heat pumps are a great investment.
Pricing and Timescales
The installation process usually takes between two to four weeks, although it does depend on the property requirements. Ground source heat pumps generally cost anywhere between £15,000 and £35,000 —there are many factors that contribute to the cost, such as your property size, energy usage and any extras required. For example, if you decide to switch your radiator system, this would add to the overall cost.
Although the cost is quite high, the government is offering funding of up to £7,500 through their Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The Process
After our initial consultation, fully understanding your vision, and answering any further questions you have, we’ll come to your property and conduct a full assessment, which includes a heat loss calculation and performance certificate, as well as understanding the accessibility of your outside space for this system.
Next, we’ll provide you with a quote, depending on our findings, and once you’re happy, we’ll go ahead with the installation according to your schedule. We’ll run through your new system, including how to use it and look after it. Should you have any questions after the installation, we will be more than happy to answer them.
By choosing Voltari, you are partnering with experts committed to delivering energy-efficient, sustainable heating solutions tailored to your needs. For more information on ground source heat pumps, please contact us.
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