In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass legislation legally committing to reach net zero by 2050.
As a result, we’ve heard much more about more environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources, such as ground source heat pumps. In this article we will look at some of the geothermal energy advantages and disadvantages, before running through some specific heat pump benefits and potential drawbacks.
What Are Ground Source Heat Pumps?
Also sometimes referred to as ground-to-water heat pumps, ground source heat pumps transfer heat from within the ground to heat sources within the home, including radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water cylinders.
How Ground Source Heat Pumps Work
Heat is naturally transferred to cooler places from warmer places, so ground source heat pumps exploit this natural process by pushing a cold liquid through pipework buried in the earth. This cold liquid is a combination of water and antifreeze.
The earth is a source of energy which comes from an array of external heat sources, including streams, soil and rock. The fluid within ground source heat pumps absorbs this energy, compresses it and condenses it so that it reaches a much higher temperature, before transferring it to a home’s hot water and heating system. The fluid then continues on its journey through the pipework to repeat the cycle and absorb more ground energy.
In the summer months, this process is essentially reversed as ground source heat pumps will extract heat from a property and release it into the earth.
The Advantages Of Ground Source Heat Pumps
When it comes to ground source heat pumps, advantages are numerous. These benefits include:
Reduced Energy Usage
Ground source heat pumps are around 400% more efficient than traditional systems, as they provide around 3-4kW of green renewable energy for each 1kW of electricity consumed, thereby allowing you to minimise your energy usage and lower your emissions. By replacing an old G-rated gas boiler in a four-bedroom detached property, you can expect to reduce your carbon emissions by up to 4,500 kg per year.
Lower Energy Bills
The precise level of savings that you can make on your energy bills by switching to a ground source heat pump varies depending on the energy system you are replacing. However, homeowners living in a four-bedroom detached property who are replacing electric storage heaters can expect to lower their energy bills by between £1,200 and £1,900.
Future Proof
One of the main ground source heat pump advantages is the longevity that these systems can offer. Many of the internal components will last for around 25 years, with the ground loop system itself boasting a lifespan of between 50 and 80 years.
As regulations evolve, such as the impending 2025 ban on gas boilers in new UK homes, ground source heat pumps emerge as a sustainable alternative. These systems are not only compliant with future environmental standards but also offer long-term reliability and reduced maintenance compared to traditional heating systems. This makes them a prudent investment for homeowners seeking to future-proof their property against regulatory changes and fuel scarcity.
Quiet and Non-intrusive
Ground source heat pumps are notably quiet, operating at 40-60 decibels, which is comparable to the sound level between a whisper and a normal conversation. This low noise output makes them an ideal choice for residential areas where noise pollution is a concern. Additionally, since the main components are buried underground, they are visually unobtrusive, preserving the aesthetic of the landscape and avoiding the clutter of external fixtures.
Clean Air, Healthy Living
Ground source heat pumps significantly reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing air pollution and the associated health risks. By utilising the stable temperatures of the earth for heating and cooling, these pumps emit no direct greenhouse gases, which helps in lowering the carbon footprint of a household. This contributes to cleaner air quality and can help mitigate health issues such as asthma and bronchitis, promoting a healthier living environment for all residents.
A Point To Consider: Available Space
It’s worth noting that in order to benefit from a ground source heat pump, you will need to live beside an area of land that is suitable for the installation of a ground loop pipework system. For a typical new-build property with three bedrooms, you can expect to need to dig two 30-40 metre trenches. Larger trenches will be required to heat larger properties or older homes with less insulation.
If you don’t have much outside space, it may be possible to drill boreholes to access the ground’s heat. This tends to be costlier as specialist machinery is needed to reach the required depth of between 75 and 200 metres.
Considering installing a ground source heat pump? Discuss your heating needs with one of our experts. We’re always more than happy to discuss unique requirements and help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and circumstances.
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