Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps can be used efficiently for heating buildings and water by transferring energy from the ground.

How Ground Source Heat Pumps Work

The sun transfers a substantial amount of energy deep into the ground. Ground source heat pumps use pipes, buried in the ground, to absorb this heat. It circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, called a ground loop. When the liquid travels around the loop it absorbs heat from the ground. Using a pump and compressor, this heat is transferred from the ground and is carried into the building to be used.

Requirements

    Choose between three types of ground source heat pumps according to space availability for fitting the pipes:

  • Borehole: suitable where ground space is limited
  • Straight horizontal: this involves the pipe being laid in trenches and requires more land area
  • Spiral horizontal or 'slinky coil': an adaptable option, as the pipes can be coiled to fit into a given amount of space. The longer the coil, the more heat is generated

Key benefits?

  • Can be used to heat and cool a building
  • Requires very little maintenance
  • Helps reduce CO2 emissions

Planning permission

Planning permission may be required when installing biomass systems, e.g. if the building is listed, in a conservation area or a World Heritage Site.