Composting isn’t the only way to utilise your garden’s resources – a ground source heat pump can reduce fuel bills too
What is it?
A ground source heat pump extracts heat from the ground to heat water for your home. It works by circulating 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, then uses it to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems and even hot water. Beneath the surface, the ground stays at a constant temperature, so a pump can be used throughout the year.
The CO2 saving depend on what sort of home-heating fuel system you’re replacing. Maximum annual CO2 savings are 7 tonnes if replacing an electric heating system, 6.5 tonnes if replacing solid fuel, 1.8 tonnes if replacing oil and 1.2 tonnes if replacing gas.
How much does it cost?
The cost of installing a typical system suitable for a detached home ranges from about £6,000 to £12,000, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Running costs to produce 100% of space heating and 50% of domestic hot water are likely to be about £540 per year, but will depend on a number of factors – including the size of your home and how well insulated it is.
Is it worth it?
A ground source heat pump will only suit your home if the ground in your garden is suitable for digging a trench or borehole to install a ground loop, and your home is well insulated and draughtproofed sufficiently for the heating system to be effective.
Given that, if you’re replacing an electric, oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or coal heating system, a ground source heating system can pay for itself quite quickly, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Annual savings can be £1,000 if replacing an electric heating system and £750 if replacing oil, for example. But if you’re replacing a more efficient gas heating system, think twice. Your savings will be smaller – maximum £410 a year – and, hence, your payback period longer.
2 responses so far ↓
Green Energy // July 12, 2009 at 10:01 am |
Great post. I t gives me additional information on how to utilize the things around my home.
George // September 2, 2009 at 2:47 am |
Yes that is a great article. Thank you for sharing.