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Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are excellent low-carbon heating systems that are able to extract warmth from the ground by using buried pipework rather than producing it by burning fossil fuels.
In addition, once installed, ground source heat pumps can help you save up to £2,000 on your yearly energy bills, as they have low running costs. However, the initial price of a ground source heat pump is high, which can turn some homeowners away. That said, like other types of heat pumps, GSHPs are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
To help you determine whether a GSHP is the right choice for you, we will walk you through the ground source heat pump advantages and disadvantages in this comprehensive guide.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Low running costs | High installation costs |
Energy efficient | Efficiency affected by soil type |
Low carbon heating | Disruptive installation |
Providing cooling and healing | Unsuitable for poorly insulated homes |
Eligible for grants | Bulky indoor components |
Constant and inexhaustible | |
Virtually silent | |
Increased property use |
Before investing in a ground source heat pump, it is important to seek tailored guidance from industry professionals. GreenMatch provides a free service that allows you to compare quotes from up to 4 local heat pump installers. This non-binding option lets you explore solutions at your own pace, saving you both time and money. Click the button below to fill in our short 30-second form:
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A ground source heat pump operates similarly to a refrigerator, transferring heat between spaces. While a fridge removes heat from the inside and releases it outside, a ground source heat pump extracts heat from the ground and can also provide cooling by reversing this process.
The temperature in the ground remains stable throughout the year, making GSHPs less susceptible to adverse weather conditions, in contrast to their air source heat pump counterparts. This ensures that you can enjoy consistent heating year-round.This heat is captured by underground pipes, further heated, and then distributed to your home's central heating system for use in radiators, underfloor heating, and showers.
As you can see, this eco-friendly energy system is highly versatile, acting as both a heating and cooling system. However, it also comes with some drawbacks. In the coming sections, we will outline the ground source heat pumps’ pros and cons so you can consider them before making a final decision.
All in all, after considering the pros and cons of ground source heat pumps, it can safely be concluded that they are a valuable long-term investment for homeowners who are seeking to become more environmentally conscious.
GSHPs offer an impressive efficiency rating of up to 400%, boost property value by about 1.7% to 3%, and are eligible for government grants of up to £7,500, despite their significant upfront costs ranging from £13,200 to £49,000.
While better suited for new builds, GSHPs can also be a viable retrofit option, providing enhanced energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprint, and increased property value.
Of course, such a device requires a specialist to carry out the installation. The difficulties show up at the external part of the GSHP installation. It is necessary to excavate and distribute an extensive net of pipes (those that will take heat to or from the ground). Fortunately, this doesn’t generate major environmental issues.
However, you’ll need to look for a reliable GSHP installer. Instead of spending an unnecessary amount of time researching and negotiating with installers, let us help you get started in just 30 seconds. By filling in our short form, we’ll connect you with up to 4 vetted ground source heat pump installers from our professional network of suppliers free of charge and with no obligation. To get started, simply click the button below.
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Ground source heat pumps can reach efficiency ratings of up to 400% and can provide stable heating and cooling throughout the year, however, they do have high upfront installation costs. Despite the cons, GSHPs are a valuable long-term investment that can increase property value and are eligible for grants.
The biggest benefit of ground source heat pumps is their high-efficiency rating, reaching up to 400% compared to other heating systems, such as electric heaters and boilers.
The biggest disadvantage of ground source heat pumps is their significant upfront cost, which can range from £13,200 to £49,000.
Ground source heat pumps have a lifespan of about 25 years, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.
Yes. Ground source heat pumps can provide consistent heating throughout the year by utilising the earth’s heat during the winter. This makes them less susceptible to adverse weather conditions compared to other heating systems
Ground source heat pumps have lower running costs than other electric heating systems, typically ranging from £740 to £1,270.
Valli has been writing well researched articles about renewable energy, sustainability and green technologies for GreenMatch since 2017. Her work has been published in various media such as Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Canadian Geographic, uSwitch, and eCycle.
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