Ground Source Heat Pump Installation
Ground source heat pumps are ideal for homes which are far from the mains grid as there is minimal maintenance, and no fuel deliveries required. They also make an excellent choice for properties which are looking to lower their home carbon emissions, They are a highly economical and efficient renewable energy solution, even more so than air source heat pumps, but can be more challenging to install.
What is a ground source heat pump?
Ground source heat pumps extract thermal energy (heat) from the ground near your property and convert this into heating and hot water for your home. Ground source heat pumps are designed to work in cold temperatures and are incredibly efficient. They do require electricity to operate, but 75% of the energy required is generated from the thermal energy stored in the ground, with only 25% being required from electricity. This means that 75% of the energy you use will be from a renewable source, which will reduce your emissions and CO2 impact.
Ground source heat pumps are suitable for homes that have suitable land to install ground arrays or a borehole system.
What is a ground array?
A ground array consist of a series of pipes that are installed underground. It is important that the land can be accessed by digging machinery and is suitable for trenches to be dug. The pipes then absorb thermal energy from the ground, which is used by the heat pump to generate heating and hot water. Ground arrays do require more room than borehole systems so are better suited for properties with ample land. Although the installation does require digging trenches, the finished installation will not be noticeable, and any turf can be replaced or reseeded once completed.
What is a borehole system?
Borehole systems are better suited for properties that have limited land space and don’t qualify for ground arrays. It is important that the land can be accessed by digging and drilling machinery in order for a borehole system to be installed. Boreholes are created by digging a hole into the ground in order to reach thermal energy much deeper in the earth. The greater the depth of the hole, the hotter the temperatures and more thermal energy can be absorbed. The depth of the hole will all depend on your property as the hole will be sized to accommodate the heating and hot water demands the system will need to cater for. Boreholes usually take less time to drill when compared to ground arrays and have less aesthetic impact on the surrounding environment when the work is underway. Like ground arrays though, boreholes cannot be seen when the installation is complete.
The advantages of using thermal energy from the ground:
- Provides heating and hot water for your home
- Perfect for properties that have land to install a ground array or borehole system
- Heat pumps can be housed indoors or inside outbuildings where required
- Suitable for a range of properties
- Quiet during operation
- Works in cold outside temperatures
- Compatible with radiators and underfloor heating
- Minimal ongoing maintenance
- No fuel deliveries or fuel stored onsite