Ground Source Heat Pumps

The size of your outdoor space is a consideration when making plans for a ground source heat pump.

Trenches are the most cost-effective way of installing a ground source heat pump.

Pipes need to be located under the frost line at around 1.2m deep and trenches are roughly 1m wide. For context, an average 4-bedroom house may need 350 linear metres of trenching to provide enough heat transfer for the property’s heating and hot water demand.

If space is at a premium, boreholes tend to be a better option. This involves drilling down vertically (approx max depth 150m/hole before starting another) creating a 6-8inch hole. Each borehole is spaced apart and covered to leave no trace.

The internal plant equipment (GSHP, hot water cylinder and buffer tank) takes up more room than a traditional boiler system so consideration will need to be given as to where to site the heat pump kit.