Ground source heat pumps

Ground source heat pumps use pipes buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. This is usually used to warm water for radiators or underfloor heating systems. It can also be used to pre-heat water before it goes into a more conventional boiler. Beneath the surface, the ground stays at a constant temperature, so a ground source heat pump can be used throughout the year - even in the middle of winter. You can even get a grant.

A ground source heat pump circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe (called a ground loop) which is buried in the garden. When the liquid travels around the loop it absorbs heat from the ground. It can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems and even hot water. The length of the ground loop depends on the size of your home and the amount of heat you need - longer loops can draw more heat from the ground.

Normally the loop is laid flat, or coiled in trenches about two metres deep, but if there is not enough space in your garden you can install a vertical loop to a depth of up to 100 metres.

The benefits of ground source heat pumps

• Reduce your fuel bills.
  Ground source heat pumps run on electricity, so there's no need to pay for gas, oil or solid fuels to heat your home.
• Cut down on wasted electricity.
  Heating your home with a ground source heat pump is much more efficient than using electric radiators.
• Saving space.
  A ground source heat pump system is compact, and requires no storage space for fuel.

Ground source heat pumps are an alternative to fossil fuels and can help reduce your homes CO₂ emissions. Ground source heat pumps add great value to your home and also help to cut your annual bills.

Ground source heat pumps should only really be considered after the 'more fundamental' energy saving measures have taken place (loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, an efficient boiler). As an example, loft insulation with some grant aid will payback within a year. Ground source heat pumps are more expensive and have longer payback times. However the running costs are very low. IQ Energy will give you expert advice on choosing an air source heat pump system that suits your current and long term energy needs.

Ribble Valley Renewable Energy Scheme

The Ribble Valley scheme allows ground source heat pump grants of up to £1,500 to households that pay their Council Tax to Ribble Valley Borough Council. You must be in bands A-F and have full loft and cavity insulation in place. You must also not have a natural gas supply to your property. For information about this scheme and ground source heat pumps in the Ribble Valley, please contact John Barber at Ribble Valley Borough Council on: 01200 413235.