Ground source heat pumps.

A ground source heat pump uses pipes that are buried in the garden to collect energy from the ground. This type of heating can then be used to power radiators, underfloor or air systems and even your home’s hot water. There are a variety of ground source heat pump products that can be used.
These types of pipes are filled with a combination of water and antifreeze. This mixture is effective as it circulates through the pipe absorbing heat from the ground, meaning it preserves energy.
Every home is different therefore the length of the ground loop can vary, as the amount of heat you need may be more/less. A Longer loop can draw more heat, but requires more space to be buried in. If space is limited there is an option to install a vertical borehole.
Ground source heat pumps benefits.
- Lower your fuel bills.
- Income through the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
- Eco friendly - Could lower home carbon emissions.
- No fuel.
- Heats your home as well as your water.
- Little maintenance required.
Heat pumps Scotland can deliver heat at lower temperatures over much longer periods. During the winter they may need to be on constantly to heat your home efficiently.
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How do ground source heat pumps work?
The heat is gathered from the ground at low temperatures and is transferred into a fluid inside a loop of the pipe. The fluid passes through a compressor making it a higher temperature – creating energy to heat your home and water!
The loop is laid flat, vertically or can be coiled in trenches about two metres deep. Although heat pumps need electricity to run, they are constantly being renewed naturally.
Is a ground source heat pump suitable for me?
In order to establish if an air source heat pump is right for you, there are a few key questions to consider:
- Is your garden suitable for having pipe laid?
- Is your home well insulated?
- What fuel will you be replacing?
- What type of heating system will you use?
Contact us for more information, we provide lots of options and would love to discuss these with you.
Ground source heat pumps costs, savings and financial support.
Savings.
The system is effective in the long run and will save you money as it’s replacing your homes electricity or coal heating system. How much you can save will depend on what system you use now, as well as what you are replacing it with. Your savings will be affected by:
- Your heat distribution system.
- Your fuel costs.
- Your old heating system.
- Water heating.
Costs.
Installing a typical system costs around £13,000-£20,000. Running costs will depend on a number of factors including the size of your home and how well insulated it is.
See our article on Scottish ground source heat pump costs, for more information.
Funding.
Existing system | Fuel bill savings (£/year) | Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payment (£/year)1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 | (RHI) payment (£/year)1 March 2016 to 30 June 2016 | Carbon dioxide savings (kgCO2/year) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gas older (non condensing) | £440 to £660 | £2,555 to £3,955 | £2,590 to £4,005 | 2,100 to 3,300 kg |
Electric (old storage heaters) | £790 to £1,425 | 6,700 to 11,700 kg | ||
Oil older (non condensing) | £130 to £220 | 3,000 to 4,700 kg | ||
LPG older (non condensing) | £960 to £1,500 | 2,800 to 4,500 kg | ||
Coal | £590 to £990 | 7,600 to 12,100 kg |