With the growing focus on sustainable living and the collective need to reduce carbon footprints, increasing numbers of homeowners are turning to domestic ground source heat pumps (GSHPs)
as a renewable heating solution.
Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring the possibility of installing a ground source heat pump to heat your home, or on the verge of taking the plunge, this guide will ensure you know exactly what to expect from the process.
Here at Lewington’s we have over twenty years’ experience in the installation of ground source heat pumps, making us the go-to local choice for advice and installation of your new money-saving renewable energy system.
For more information about the suitability of your outdoor space for a ground source heat pump and alternative sources of renewable energy, please get in touch on 01858 433 333.
Installing a ground source heat pump enables you to source heat under the ground via a network of pipes and pumps buried underneath the ground in your garden.
What is a ground source heat pump?
This reliable and steady source of heating can provide heating and hot water to your home all year round and is easily controlled by a heat pump unit inside your home.
Preparation and project planning
The first step in the ground source heat pump installation process is to assess your space. A garden is a must as this is where the ground loops that capture heat from the earth will be laid. This area needs to be large enough for your heating needs and free of trees, buildings and other obstacles.
Another consideration will be how well insulated your property is in order to ensure the efficiency of the heating system.
How does it work?
The pipe loop underneath your garden is connected to the heat pump unit inside your house.
To harness heat from the ground, the pipe is filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze, which absorbs heat from the ground as it passes through the pipe network. The resulting heated solution is then used to boil a refrigerant which is then compressed. This in turn produces the hot water that is fed into your system to provide you with your own source of heating and hot water.
Once the heated solution has been used to heat your home or water it flows straight back into the pipe network underneath your garden to begin the process again. This means that all you pay for is the electricity that is needed to run the compressor.
What are the financial implications of installing ground source heat pumps?
Clearly, installing a ground source heat pump involves a significant financial outlay as well as the temporary upheaval that comes with the work that needs to be done in your garden in order to lay the pipes.
The exact cost involved will depend on your individual needs and circumstances and this is something we can advise you on. However, if a ground source heat pump is suitable for your home, then now is the perfect time to put it into action by taking advantage of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the fact that there is currently no VAT payable on ground source heat pump installation. For the most up to date information on the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme please visit our funding page.
The good news is that, following the initial outlay, installing a ground source heat pump will start to make a difference to your monthly energy bills as soon as you start using it.
What are the benefits of ground source heat pump installation?
As well as the reduction in carbon footprint and long-term energy bill benefits that can be enjoyed as soon as your system is up and running, there are several other great benefits involved in the installation of ground source heat pumps. Once installed, ground source heat pumps provide a dependable and low maintenance source of energy for your home. Not only that, the fact that no outdoor unit is required for this kind of system means it is more aesthetically pleasing than other renewable energy systems such as air source heat pumps.
Of course, when your ground source heat pump system does require maintenance, here at Lewington’s we are perfectly placed to carry this out for you.
The renewables experts you can trust
We’re very proud of our Worcester Bosch Environment award and of our status as a Which Trusted Trader with a 4.8 star rating from our many happy customers.
A key part of our service always involves finding the right heating solution for you, whether that’s in the area of renewables or with a modern gas boiler. So, you can rest assured if we recommend a ground source heat pump system for you, you’re in great hands and choosing the right solution.
To find out more, please call us on 01858 433 333 or fill in our contact form.
