Installer Directory
author

Written-by

Janet Richardson

calendar

Updated on

Apr 21, 2023

Read Time : 2 Minutes

Installation of Ground Source Heat Pump

Compared to other forms of heating, a ground source heat pump requires a good deal more thought and planning. There are numerous factors you need to take into account, including the space you have available and whether you are going to stay with traditional radiators or switch to more efficient underfloor heating or air-radiators. If you have a suitable space, however, installing a ground source heat pump can be a cost effective and relatively low maintenance way to heat your home. According to Which, the cost of installing a GSHP is between £13,000 and £20,000. With money back through the Renewable Heat Incentive, the ROI over the long term is pretty good and you get to have a low carbon heating solution that is low maintenance and lasts a long time.

Initial Considerations

GSHPs are the most efficient of the heat pumps and, if you have the room, then they’re a great idea. Space is certainly going to be the first consideration you need to take into account. You’ll require substantial room to either spread out in the garden and lay the pipe work or have permission to install a vertical array that drives straight down into the ground near your home. Construction vehicles such as diggers also have to be able to get into your garden area. Then you have to think about the interior. GSHP works best with underfloor heating rather than conventional radiators so you will need to make a decision about the additional cost for this. Your home needs to be well insulated – a GSHP provides constant but low amounts of heat which is why underfloor is a lot more efficient. This can be lost, however, if you have too many draughts and poor insulation. If you want hot water too, you might need to get in separate immersion heater to deal with this. Finally, installing GSHP is more cost effective if you are actually replacing an old, inefficient system such as a LPG or electric heating.

COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS

Compare prices from local companies fast & free

Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure. Privacy Policy

Types of Ground Source Heat Pumps

Installing a ground source heat pump involves digging up the garden. There are two types of device. You can drill straight down and put in a vertical system. This will be anywhere between 15m and 100m. That’s a long way down and can depend on factors such as the underlying soil and rock. It might seem like the easier option, especially if you are short of space, but it can be costly on the construction front and you might need planning permission depending on your location. The other option is to put in a flat looped system that sits horizontally in a trench across your garden. Of course, this will again depend on the size you have available. That size needs to be big enough to fit your heating needs – essentially the bigger the house, the more piping you need.

Finding the Right Installer

As with any major installation, you need to find a reputable and reliable installer. If you are going to take advantage of the Renewable Heat Incentive, you need to choose one that is accredited and part of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Checking those credentials is important because if your system is badly installed it can affect efficiency and cost you money. Make sure that you get several quotes and give yourself a cooling off period before you finally decide.

Accessing the RHI

The Renewable Heat Incentive is a government backed scheme run by Ofgem that basically pays you for the amount of energy that you produce with low carbon technology such as this. The current tariff for ground source heat pumps is 19.33 pence per kWh produced. This makes a big difference to the return on investment of installing a heat pump in the first place and greatly reduce your costs, offsetting the initial large investment. You can search our installer database to find accredited companies in your area who can install a ground source heat pump.

Find a local installer

Welcome to the biggest directory of UK renewable energy companies

image

Related Information

Images

A Complete Guide to Heat Pumps in 2024

Heat Pumps Information Everything you need to know about air, ground and water source heat pumps...

Images

The history behind heat pump technology

The history of modern heat pumps Heat pump physics and principals The mechanical technology...

Images

How does a Heat Pump Work

Simply put, a heat pump is a device that transfers thermal energy from one point to another. A comm...

Images

Heat Pumps Pros and Cons - A Complete Guide

If you have found yourself interested in investing in a heat pump for your home or business, then y...

Find a local installer

Welcome to the biggest directory of UK renewable energy companies

Or

COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS

Compare prices from local companies fast & free

Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure.

Privacy Policy
Contact

Contact Us

Answer these simple questions and we will find you the BEST prices.

What technology are you looking to install?

What do you require?

What happens now?
  1. We will give you a quick call to discuss your requirements.
  2. With your permission, we'll get three vetted companies to contact you.
  3. Compare quotes and select the best fit.
The Renewable Energy Hub provides expert advice for those looking to invest in renewables.

We've been doing so for over a decade. Fill in the form on the right and one of our experienced operators will give you a call to discuss your requirements and answer any questions you have.

We're ethically run and will only share your details with 1-3 of our REH approved installation companies with your express permission. Privacy Policy

Please enter your contact details

logo

Before you go...

Can we help you with anything?

Leave your details and we'll contact you to discuss your requirements

x

logo

quick and free price comparison for solar or heat pumps