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So, you've heard that a ground source heat pump could be a way to warm your home and save money at the same time, but what are they and what do they do?
Ground source pumps are a network of pipes, otherwise known as a ground-loop, that are buried underground. The pipes then extract natural-heat at a low temperature from the ground and distribute it to a heat-pump.
The heat-pump will then increase the temperature so that it can then be distributed wherever to is needed to power things such as underfloor heating, hot water and radiators.
You will see there are pros and cons https://www.biomass-energy.org.uk/pros-and-cons/ for all biomass energy. For more information, please complete the contact form provided and we will reply as soon as possible.
Okay, what is actually involved with installing a heat pump system? As mentioned above, the majority of the system is made up of a network of pipes called a ground-loop.
The ground-loop can be many different sizes, but essentially the only prerequisite you need to fulfil is that you have enough room in your back garden to install the loop.
Once the ground-loop is installed, you'll need a heat-pump to convert the energy into something useful. A mixture of water and anti-freeze is pumped around the loop, which absorbs the heat that is stored naturally within the ground.
This mixture is then compressed and fed through a heat exchanger, where the heat is extracted and transferred to the heat-pump. This energy can then be used in your home heating system to feed underfloor heating, showers, radiators and sinks.
Ground-source heating pumps, or GSHPs for short, have started to become an extremely popular alternative to traditional methods of heating. Gas boilers and oil heaters are still very much in the lead, but ground sources are quickly catching them up.
The fact that it's so environmentally friendly is one of the big plus points for people being attracted to it. Much of the equipment is hidden away, so it's not unsightly or noisy.
Installation is quick and easy, and because the temperature of the ground beneath the surface stays at a fairly constant level throughout the year, the systems have a limitless supply of energy to feed it.
Get more information on the installation of these systems by filling in our contact form!
It's worth noting that ground source heating runs on electricity, so it's not a completely green source of energy.
Depending on how much heating and hot water you are wanting to generate, you may find it advantageous to install a separate electric heater so as not to overload the system too much.
However, if this is an issue, you could change your electricity tariff to an Economy 7 tariff, which should help to keep the electricity bills as low as they can be.
You may find that during the winter months, the system will have to be on almost constantly to generate the same kind of heat levels as a traditional system, but you can help enormously by having your house well insulated.
The better insulated your house is, the more effectively the system will work for you.
That's not to say that the systems have no environmental benefits at all. In fact, the energy that is being extracted is constantly being naturally renewed, so it's a lot kinder to the environment than oil or gas boilers are and this will reduce your carbon footprint dramatically.
Of course, ground-source heat-pumps are useful and economic on a domestic level https://www.biomass-energy.org.uk/boiler/domestic/, but what if you were thinking of using it on a commercial level?
Does the system work as well when it is being used on a larger scale?
Air source heat-pump units are available in varying sizes; they can be as small as a suitcase or as large as a bus and they are generally fitted to a flat exterior wall or roof and may be as complex or as basic as the building itself.
Commercial pumps work in much the same way as the domestic heat-pumps, but the added advantage with commercial use is that because the scale is larger, so are the financial savings.
The installation may be fairly expensive initially, but the perks that come after are well worth the investment. A commercial heat pump will not only offset your carbon footprint, but could make you significant savings on your energy bills by switching.
It requires minimal maintenance work, improves air quality, and runs extremely quietly. Not only this, but the Renewable Heat Incentive Initiative run by the Department of Energy and Climate Change actually pays you money quarterly for seven years for the clean energy that you are producing.
This scheme is also available for domestic users but it is commercial usage where you could see the most benefit.
For details on the systems our local suppliers can install nearby you and in surrounding areas, please complete our contact box now. We aim to get closest to your budget and not over, so make sure to let us know what you have to spend.
It's worth bearing in mind that you'll have to dig up the garden to install this system, so if your garden is easily accessible for digging machinery that's a huge advantage.
The other major thing to consider is how much heat the system is going to be asked to produce. If you have a large house, you'll need a larger loop, and of course, more space to install it in.
Ground source heat pump costs will vary greatly depending on quite a few factors. If your property is a new build project, then you could save a lot of money on the installation as you can include it as part of your property's design and you may not have to apply for planning permission, which in itself can be costly enough.
If you still want your property to have a traditional heating system https://www.biomass-energy.org.uk/renewable-energy/heating/, that's not a problem. A heating pump installation can work in harmony alongside this system without any issues.
If you have any questions regarding a ground source heat pump or heat-pump installations, ground-source heating, the RHI or commercial heat-pumps, please do not hesitate to get in contact by filling in the online form.
One of our colleagues will be in touch as soon as possible and will be glad to assist you with anything you wish to know about GSHPs.