How they work
Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground using a loop of pipe – a ground loop - buried underground. The heat generated can be used to heat radiators, under-floor heating and hot water. If space is limited, a vertical borehole can be drilled instead of fitting a ground loop.
Great things about ground source heat pumps
- Save money – You will significantly reduce your fuel bills. The size of the saving will depend on the type of fuel you are replacing. If you’re switching from a conventional electricity, LPG, or oil system, it’s likely you’ll see the most significant cost reduction.
- Generate an income – Small businesses and other organisations can currently apply to be paid for the heat they generate under phase 1 of the UK government’s Renewable Heat Incentive. The domestic users part of the scheme is scheduled to start in summer 2013.
- Energy efficient – Although you will still need to use electricity to power the heat pump’s compressor, for every unit of electricity used by the heat pump you will get between two and four units of free energy.
- Low maintenance – Ground source heat pumps are virtually maintenance free.
- Reduce your carbon footprint – Ground source heat pumps use mainly naturally occurring renewable energy and generate considerably less CO2 than conventional heating systems.
Some considerations
- Is your garden, or the space outside your business premises, suitable? It needs to accessible to digging machinery and suitable for digging a trench or borehole.
- Is your property well insulated? For the heating system to be effective, your property needs to be well insulated and draught proofed.
- What type of heating system do you plan to use? Ground source heat pumps perform well with under-floor heating because they can operate at lower water temperatures than radiator systems. It’s fine if you have conventional radiators, however, because we can size them to work at lower operating temperatures, maintaining the heat output required.
- Where will you house the heat pump? It can be located in your property or an outbuilding.
There’s lots to think about here. Do give us a call, we’ll arrange to come and see you and answer all your questions!