heat pumps

Ground source heat pumps work by drawing heat from the ground at low temperatures, and using this to expand a refrigerant fluid in a closed circuit. The refrigerant is pumped through a condenser, where it transfers heat into your central heating circuit. The principle is the same as a fridge, working backwards.

A ground source heat pump needs an electricity supply to drive the pump. It is considered a sustainable technology because the amount of heat provided to your home is typically 2-3 times the amount of electricity needed to drive the pump - so the system is effectively 2-300% efficient.

You will need space to run an underground plastic pipe circuit outside your property. This can either be horizontal - typically running about 2m underground, or a vertical borehole, which can be 50m or more deep.

Heat pumps are well-established technologies in the commercial sector and for homes elsewhere in the world. In the US they are used to heat homes in winter and cool them in summer - this is a particularly attractive application compared to two separate heating and air conditioning systems. They are relatively new to the domestic sector in the UK, although there are now between 10 and 20 established suppliers.

Heat pumps work best with underfloor heating, because they are most efficient providing slightly lower-temperature water. This means they are most economic when installed on new build.

Our tailored estimate and specification service will size a pump and ground circuit for your needs, and give you a budget price for this specification.