Ground Source Heat Pump Installation in Haywards Heath, Sussex
A Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP), also known as a geothermal heat pump, is an advanced heating and cooling system that uses the stable temperature of the ground or groundwater as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer. Based in Haywards Heath, we are renewable energy specialists with expertise in GSHP installation, providing sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for homes across Sussex. Here’s how it works:
How It Works
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Heat Exchange with the Ground
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Unlike air source heat pumps that extract heat from the air, GSHPs use a series of pipes buried underground, either horizontally or vertically, to extract heat from the ground. The ground temperature remains relatively stable throughout the year, typically between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 16 degrees Celsius) depending on the location.
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Heat Absorption
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Heat Conversion
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Heat Distribution
During the summer months, the process can be reversed to provide cooling. The heat pump extracts heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the ground loop, where the cooler ground acts as a heat sink.
The Benefits
High Efficiency
GSHPs are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems available. They can deliver more energy than they consume, resulting in lower utility bills.
Reliable
Since the ground temperature remains relatively stable, GSHPs provide consistent heating and cooling throughout the year.
Quiet Operation
GSHPs are quieter than traditional HVAC systems because the noisy components, such as the compressor, are located underground.
Long Lifespan
With proper maintenance, ground source heat pumps can last for decades.
Although the installation costs of GSHPs are higher than those of conventional heating and cooling systems, they can provide significant long-term savings on energy bills. They are particularly well-suited for locations with enough space for ground loop installation, such as residential properties, commercial buildings, and larger facilities like schools or hospitals. Additionally, they are an environmentally friendly option, as they use renewable energy from the ground.
Up to 400% efficient, this type of heat pump extracts the free heat from the ground, using this for heating and hot water. A GSHP helps to reduce your carbon footprint and can even lower your energy bills.
Incredibly efficient, a GSHP transfers around four times more energy into the property as heat than it uses to extract it from the ground
- MCS approved for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- Well-suited to properties on larger plots
- Ground loop or borehole installation options
- Virtually silent operation
Is it Right for Your Property?
Ground Loops
Ground loops are the most popular choice when installing a GSHP.
Collector pipes are buried at a 1 meter depth within the ground, drawing the warmth from the ground, through to the heat pump. Any energy that is extracted is continually replenished by the sun.
To install ground loops, you need plenty of available land – at least three times the total floor area of the property, ground and upper floors combined.
Advantages of GSHP ground loops
- Cheaper to install than boreholes
- Works can coincide with planned groundworks already associated with the project
- No specialist contractors required
- The ground loop trench can be dug at the same time as laying the foundations for a new build by the groundworker.
Disadvantages of GSHP ground loops
- A significant area of land is required.
- Landscaping is required and future development potential is reduced.
Boreholes
A borehole is a vertical hole that is typically drilled between 40-120 metres deep. The ground collector, which extracts the heat energy, is dropped into this hole before being filled with grout for added thermal conductivity.
To install a borehole, you will need a specialist contractor and the number of boreholes required depends on the project.
If considering a borehole, it’s worth weighing up the cost of installation versus choosing an air source heat pump which would be significantly cheaper, is well suited to properties on smaller plots and still returns an efficiency of around 300%.
Advantages of GSHP boreholes
- Less space is required compared to ground loops.
- No associated landscaping is required.
- No impact on future development.
Disadvantages of GSHP boreholes
- Boreholes can cost as much as double in comparison to ground loops. This is due to the specialist contractors, equipment, drilling and logistics involved
- No additional payback. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme payment remains the same, whether you have installed a borehole or ground loops. This means the overall cost to install a GSHP with a borehole is higher.
Our Heating Services
Talk to Our Expert Team
Contact our experienced team via phone, email, or by completing the enquiry form. We strive to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
Areas We Cover
Our Haywards Heath office in Sussex is situated off Burrell Road. We provide all your domestic building services needs in Haywards Heath, Brighton, Burgess Hill, Horsham and the surrounding areas.
Address: Burrell Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1TL
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00-17:30
