Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps work by passing a refrigerant (or an alternative gas / liquid) through a series of pipes that are laid underground outside the house. This heats the refrigerant by a few degrees before being compressed and heated to a higher, more desirable temperature by a compressor / heat pump. This heat is then distributed around the house via the chosen heating system (usually underfloor heating (the ideal solution) or radiators). The cold refrigerant then passes back outside, underground to be heated again. Ground source heat pumps are powered by electricity which can derive from renewable or non-renewable fuels.
Main Benefits
• GSHPs have a long operational lifetime with some components lasting in excess of 50 years.
• There are no safety or pollution issues relating to the combustion of fuel for heat
• Heat pumps are very efficient. For every unit of energy used to drive the system, they produce between 3 and 4 units of heat.
• GSHPs can produce both heating and cooling.
• Underfloor heating is more efficient than radiators and heats rooms more evenly. The air just above the floor is heated and that warm air then rises through the living space cooling as it rises creating a comfortable room temperature.
Grants
No grants available. However Ground Source Heat Pumps that generate renewable heat are eligible for the government’s RHI Tariff. This will pay homeowners/private/social landlords 18.8p/kWh heat generated.
Is my home suitable?
- If you are renting you will need your landlord’s permission
- If you are on mains gas installing a heat pump may end up costing you more in total energy costs - this is because gas is cheaper per kWh than electricity and a heat pump runs on electricity. If you are offsetting heating oil or LPG, or your house uses electricity only, heat pumps offer a very cost effective source of renewable heat. You must also ensure your house is insulated as much as possible to make the most of your heat pump's potential efficiencies.
- If you want to have a Ground Source Heat Pump installed you may need to get planning permission. Please contact your Local Authority’s planning department.
Contact Us today on 0800 783 2503 for a free, no obligation survey and quote.
For more information and to find out if you or someone you know would benefit from further assistance or to get the countywide leaflet contact Action Surrey on 0800 783 2503 or email [email protected].
Updated June 2014
Elmbridge Borough Council, ww.elmbridge.gov.uk
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Guildford Borough Council, www.guildford.gov.uk
Mole Valley District Council, www.molevalley.gov.uk
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Runnymede Borough Council, www.runnymede.gov.uk
Spelthorne Borough Council, www.spelthorne.gov.uk
Surrey Heath Borough Council, www.surreyheath.gov.uk
Surrey County Council, www.surreycc.gov.uk
Tandridge District Council, www.tandridge.gov.uk
Waverley Borough Council, www.waverley.gov.uk
Woking Borough Council, www.woking.gov.uk