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In an age when more homeowners in Hartlepool are seeking renewable energy solutions, heat pumps are constantly making the headlines.
Unfortunately, not all news articles portray these amazing devices in a positive light, and this is a shame, as heat pumps of all kinds have a lot to offer!
The bad press is partly due to misunderstandings about how ground source heat pumps work and what the installation process involves. As a qualified ground source heat pump installer in Hartlepool, Heat Pump Heroes is perfectly placed to dispel the myths and provide you with all the facts you need.
So, take ten minutes out of your day to read our blog to discover how a ground source heat pump could improve your life!
We need to understand how these devices function in order to appreciate the installation process, so let's dive in...
This clever technology taps into the Earth's natural warmth to provide extremely efficient and sustainable heating for your home. Unlike traditional gas boilers or electric heaters that generate heat directly by burning fossil fuels, GSHPs extract low-grade heat energy from the ground, concentrating it for comfortable warmth indoors.
Let’s take a closer look at the science behind this renewable heating system:
The ground acts as a giant thermal battery, constantly absorbing heat from the sun. Even at depths of a few metres, ground temperatures are relatively stable all year round, typically around 10-12°C in the UK. This consistent warmth becomes the source of energy for your GSHP.
To some extent, the heat also comes from deep within the ground*, rising up from the Earth’s molten core.
*This is another subject in itself! Ground source heat pumps are sometimes called ‘geothermal’ heat pumps, although true geothermal power plants are on a much larger scale and use deeper shafts. See our other blog, ‘Geothermal Energy Pros & Cons, ’ for more information.
A network of pipes, called a ground loop system, is buried underground. This loop can be horizontal, laid out in trenches about 1.5-2 metres deep, or vertical, consisting of boreholes drilled down to depths of around 100 metres. A water-based solution with antifreeze (often called brine) circulates through this loop, acting as a heat collector.
As the brine solution circulates through the ground loop, it absorbs heat from the surrounding soil and rock. This heat transfer happens naturally because heat flows from warmer to cooler areas. The cooler brine absorbs the ground's warmth, raising its own temperature.
The warmed brine then travels to the GSHP's indoor unit, which houses a compressor. This compressor squeezes the brine, which has a surprising effect: it actually increases its temperature!
The heated brine from the compressor passes through a heat exchanger within the GSHP unit. This acts like a bridge, transferring the heat from the brine to another closed-loop system containing a refrigerant. This refrigerant is a special liquid that boils at very low temperatures.
The heated refrigerant gas then travels to another heat exchanger, where it gives up its heat to the water in your central heating system. This hot water is then distributed throughout your home via underfloor heating systems or radiators, providing warmth and comfort.
The cooled refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, which lowers its pressure and allows it to absorb more heat efficiently. This cooler refrigerant then circulates back to the first exchanger, where it absorbs heat again from the warmed brine. The cycle then repeats continuously, extracting heat from the ground and delivering it to your home.
We explained all of this in a bit more detail in our post “how does a ground source heat pump work”.
As we already hinted at above, there are two main types of ground loop systems for ground source heat pumps: horizontal and vertical.
The installation process is different for each one, so we'll check them out in turn:
GSHP ground loops (horizontal) require a fair amount of space. To find the rough area needed, multiply the total floor area of your property, ground and upper floors combined.
This is one of the very few drawbacks of the ground source heat pump system, as not everyone has enough space in their garden. However, vertical ground loops don't need a lot of space, so they may be a better option for homeowners with limited outside land.
As with most heat pumps, the typical GSHP plant room is often compared to a large refrigerator or washing machine. Dimensions will vary depending on the size of the property and the heating capacity required, but they generally range from around 0.8 metres to 1.2 metres wide, 0.6 metres to 1 metre deep, and 1.6 metres to 1.8 metres tall.
Inside the unit, several key components work together to deliver warmth:
Control Panel - The control panel is the brain of the operation. It allows you to set the desired temperature for your home, monitor system performance, and adjust settings as needed.
The ground loop pipes for a ground source heat pump enter the house at a specific point where they connect to the indoor unit:
In colder climates, the exposed section of pipe within the house might require additional insulation to prevent freezing.
The entry point for the ground loop pipes is typically a small and strategically placed opening, minimising disruption to your foundation and overall aesthetics.
Installing the heat pump itself should only take one or two days. However, the groundwork (either trenches or boreholes) can take several days, depending on the complexity of the site and the ground conditions.
On average, work is completed within a week, although this can stretch to two weeks if complications arise or the project is particularly complex.
Before ground source heat pump installations in Hartlepool can go ahead, we need to check a few things out, mostly to avoid any unpleasant surprises along the way!
A qualified GSHP installer will conduct a thorough pre-installation survey before any digging or drilling commences. This survey assesses ground conditions, identifies potential underground utilities, and determines the most suitable loop layout and depth.
Ground composition plays an essential role here; Sandy or wet soils with good thermal conductivity are ideal for heat transfer. Clay soils, on the other hand, may require deeper boreholes or a horizontal loop system.
A competent, professional heat pump installer will always ensure that they minimise any disruption during the installation. Horizontal trenches can be strategically placed to avoid existing landscaping features, while vertical boreholes should have a very small footprint.
All of this will be (or should be!) explained to you during the consultation, so you can be confident that the installation team will
Now we come to the crunch: how much does it cost to install a ground source heat pump in Hartlepool?
As you've probably already guessed, the costs vary depending on a range of different factors, so let's look at a few of these to give you an idea of what to expect.
With these in mind, we can project some ballpark figures...
At Heat Pump Heroes in Hartlepool, we fully understand that these prices can seem high, especially with costs rising in almost every area of life!
So, why are ground source heat pumps expensive, compared with other heating systems?
The truth is that these figures reflect the level of work involved as well as the quality of the equipment being installed. Also, when you view this as a long-term investment and take the many benefits into account, it helps to put things into perspective.
We cover the costs in more detail in our post “how much does it cost to install a ground source heat pump”.
As successive governments attempt to tackle climate change, they introduce various policies and incentives to boost the renewable energy industry and meet targets for lower carbon emissions.
One current example is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, where you are awarded £7,500 towards installing a heat pump system.
More details here about “heat pump grants”.
The boiler upgrade scheme payment can only be spent on a renewable energy solution, such as a ground source or air source heat pump (or even water source heat pumps, although these are rare in the UK).
The funds can't be spent on a hybrid system (a heat pump and gas boiler combined), as it's all about reducing carbon emissions and avoiding the use of fossil fuels.
For the most part, you won't need permission to install ground loops in your garden. Even so, it's worth checking to see if your local authority has any specific legislation at a local level.
Heat Pump Heroes will advise you further during your initial consultation - don't worry, we'll guide you through the planning process if necessary and help smooth the way!
Residents in flats and apartments could encounter problems with planning, as there are more legal and practical obstacles to overcome, such as how much space is available for the ground loop.
While it's not impossible to install heat pumps in these places, air source heat pumps are regarded as a more sensible option, as they don't require ground loops and can be fitted to individual properties without affecting others.
So, now we know a bit more about installing heat pumps and have an idea about the cost.
We've also dropped a few hints about how great these renewable energy solutions are, but now it's time to spell it out clearly:
Forget burning gas or oil, or cranking up the electric heater! Ground source heat pumps extract the Earth's natural warmth, a constant reservoir of energy waiting to be tapped. This stable underground temperature, unlike the ever-changing whims of the weather, means efficient and reliable comfort all year round.
GSHPs can deliver 3-4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used. This amazing energy efficiency equates to significant cost savings on your energy bills compared to traditional heating systems. Over the lifespan of the GSHP, the energy savings can outweigh the initial investment (especially if you apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme!).
Unlike traditional heating systems that rely heavily on burning gas or oil, GSHPs primarily use electricity to power the compressor. This significantly reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Unlike gas boilers or oil-fired systems that release harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide directly into the atmosphere, GSHPs produce zero emissions on-site. This eliminates concerns about indoor air quality and protects your family's health.
Knowing that your heating system isn't contributing to local air pollution provides peace of mind. You can enjoy the warmth of your home without compromising the health of yourself, your family, and your community.
GSHPs are a perfect partner for renewable energy sources like solar panels (solar thermal and solar PV). By generating your own electricity to power the GSHP, you can create a truly sustainable heating system. Imagine a future where your home's warmth comes from the Earth's core and the sun's rays - a beautiful example of harnessing nature's power!
While the initial cost of installing a ground source heat pump might be higher than a traditional boiler, the true savings lie in their remarkably low running costs. GSHPs boast exceptional efficiency, extracting free heat from the ground and using minimal electricity to power the system. This translates to significantly lower energy bills compared to gas or electric heaters, with some homeowners reporting savings of over £1,000 per year on their heating costs.
Unlike boilers prone to breakdowns, GSHPs require minimal maintenance. The buried ground loop is designed to last for decades, and the heat pump unit itself needs only occasional servicing. This translates to fewer unexpected expenses down the line.
Ground source heat pumps can double as cooling systems in the summer!
In addition to space heating, this brilliant device can be switched to cooling mode in the hotter months, acting as an air conditioner. However, unlike a standard air conditioning unit, it won't drastically increase your energy bill.
So, is this the right heat pump for you? While the upfront cost might be higher than traditional systems, the long-term benefits are compelling. GSHPs harvest heat from the Earth itself, offering exceptional efficiency and dramatically lower running costs.
Imagine slashing your energy bills year after year! Plus, minimal maintenance and potential government incentives add to the appeal. By choosing a GSHP, you're not just investing in a comfortable home; you're making a significant contribution to your home's energy efficiency and embracing low-carbon solutions for a greener future. Contact Heat Pump Heroes Hartlepool team today and explore the possibilities!
ASHPs have a wide range of benefits, from reducing your carbon footprint to potentially saving money on your energy bills. Discover how an air source heat pump could benefit you:
A ground source heat pump is a renewable energy system that uses the Earth's stable underground temperatures to provide heating and cooling for homes.
A ground source heat pump works by circulating a water-based solution through underground pipes to absorb heat, which is then compressed and used to heat your home.
The benefits of a ground source heat pump include lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and eligibility for government incentives.
The cost of a ground source heat pump installation varies, typically ranging from £16,200 to £49,000, depending on factors like property size and ground loop type.
Your home is suitable for a ground source heat pump if you have enough outdoor space for ground loops and the right ground conditions.
Maintenance for a ground source heat pump is minimal, usually involving an annual service check to ensure system efficiency and longevity.
