GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS.

Ground source heat pumps use pipes buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. This is usually used to warm water for radiators or underfloor heating systems. It can also be used to pre-heat water before it goes into a more conventional boiler.

Beneath the surface , the ground stays at a constant temperature, so a ground source heat pump can be used throughout the year- even in the middle of winter.

HOW DOES IT WORK.

A ground source heat pump circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe – called a ground loop- which is buried in the garden. When the liquid travels around the loop it absorbs heat from the ground- used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems and even hot water.

The length of the ground loop depends on the size of your home and the amount of heat you need – longer loops can draw more heat from the ground.

Normally the loop is laid flat, or coiled in trenches about two metres deep , but if there is not enough space in your garden you can install a vertical loop to a depth of up to 100 metres.

THE BENEFITS.

Reduce your carbon emissions; you could save around 540kg of carbon dioxide every year.

Eliminate your fuel bills; ground source heat pumps run on electricity, so there`s no need to pay for gas , oil or solid fuels to heat your home.

Cut down on wasted electricity; heating your home with a ground source heat pump is much more efficient than using electric radiators.

If you are replacing a new , more efficient heating system, your savings will be smaller.

IS IT SUITABLE FOR MY PROPERTY ?

Is your garden suitable for a ground loop ?
It doesn’t have to be a large garden , but the ground needs to be suitable for digging a trench or a borehole.

Is your home well insulated ?
Since ground source heat pumps produce a lower temperature heat than traditional boilers, it`s essential that your home is insulated and draught proofed well for the heating system to be effective. It could also make the system cheaper and smaller.