What is ground source heating?
Imagine that your garden is like a big solar panel, storing the sun’s energy. Ground source uses this energy by extracting heat from the ground via a network of underground pipe work. This energy is then transferred through a refrigerant circuit to produce temperatures of up to 65°C which is used to provide you with heating and hot water. As this energy is free, all you pay for is the electricity needed to run the unit, guaranteeing you big savings. This technology has been used in Sweden for over 40 years and is proven to work – even in sub zero temperatures. If it works there, it is certainly suitable for Market Harborough, Leicester, Leicestershire, Northampton and Northamptonshire!
Is it right for me?
You will need a reasonable amount of land to site the underground pipe work. There are three different types of system.
1. Horizontal collectors
This system consists of a series of loops of 40mm pipe work buried to a depth of one metre. The length of the pipe work needed varies depending on the heating needs of your property, but will usually be more than 400m in total length.
2. Compact collectors
These are panels of pipe work joined together to create the length of pipe work necessary. Whilst they take up less room, due to their size the trench needed is bigger at 2m wide and 1.5m deep.
3. Bore hole collectors
These are buried deep in the ground, ideal for smaller gardens. Access will be needed for geological surveys and drilling equipment. Depth can start from 80m down.
You will need to have an indoor space available that can accommodate a fridge freezer sized operating unit. As ground source heat pumps work best with under floor heating (or radiators oversized by 40-50%) new radiators may be needed.
When Does Ground Source Heating Make Most Sense?
The ground source system is ideally suited to new builds and renovations, as the ground work costs can be incorporated with the build. It is also ideal for any house currently using oil or LPG fuels and will ensure massive reductions in heating bills.
What should I do next?
When you contact us, we will ask you some simple questions about your property which will enable us to tell you if your property is suitable for the ground source system.
If it might be suitable, we will arrange a convenient time to visit your property when our Renewable Energy Adviser will explain the installation options and fully size up the work. Your property measurements are then entered into our specialist software to identify the ground source system best suited to you and your home.
Are there any grants available to me?
There may also be Government grants available – ask our Renewable Energy Adviser for more details or read our blog post.
Do I need planning permission?
Planning permission should be sought from your local authority. This usually consists of just a quick phone call to make sure it’s OK.
What are the benefits?
- Savings of £400 to £800 on your annual fuel bills*
- No additional boiler needed
- Ease of operation
- Quiet to operate
- Low maintenance costs
- 5 year warranty
- Long 25 year & lifespan
- Increased property value**
- Lower your home’s carbon emissions by up to 5 tonnes per year***
- Energy efficiency: for every £1 of electrical energy put in, you get £3.20 of free energy out****
REFERENCES:
* Depending on fuel changed from, according to Energy Saving Trust©
** MORI survey
