Ground Source Heat Pumps-FAQ

Is a GSHP just a way to help the environment or will it save money too?
Why use GSHP Technology when I could use solar or wind energy?
How large are GSHPs?
Is GSHP Technology just for Newbuild or Can I Retrofit?
Do GSHP Technologies and Landscaping go together?
Can I combine a GSHP with other technologies?

Is a GSHP just a way to help the environment or will it save money too?

The simple answer is YES. Operating and maintenance costs for GSHP are relatively low compared to other technologies for heating/cooling. Initial capital costs are higher than installing fossil-fuel systems, yet payback can be rapid.

The most cost effective GSHP systems provide 80-100% of heating/cooling needs. ROI is generally about 3 x years on these systems. Thereafter, cost savings can apply year on year. For a further investment, GSHP can be over-designed to provide 100%+ heating/cooling needs in any climate with temperature extremes or special requirements.

It is always worth remembering that when comparing the cost of eco technologies V fossil-fuel technologies, that fossil fuel prices fluctuate (with a trend towards increasing costs). Most sensible buyers base costs over a 5-10 year period. GSHP is far more cost-effective over this period than fossil-fuels. With global uncertainty on current fossil-fuel reserves, it is difficult to predict future benefits on cost savings. It is highly likely that the cost benefits of installing GSHP technology now may mean vast cost savings over the forthcoming decade and beyond.

Why use GSHP Technology when I could use solar or wind energy?

The main use for GSHP Technology is to provide warmth/cooling to the air in a building. Solar energy is an excellent source of energy, but this is best utilised for heating water within buildings (see Solar) .

Solar Photovoltaic Panels are useful, but they are used to generate electricity rather than provide warm/cool air in buildings. A minor amount of electricity is required to power the GSHP which can be achieved by using a wind turbine or a stirling engine. Wind turbines are an excellent source of electrical energy (see wind) but GSHP is best for providing warmth/cooling to the building.

How large are GSHPs?

The majority of any Ground Source Heat Pump is made up of the pipe work in the ground. This requires either a deep vertical hole or a large horizontal trench. Generally speaking, whether to dig horizontally or vertically is a question of

the space available to you, the size of building you are heating/cooling, and how easy/difficult it is to dig downards. In most cases, the actual heating and cooling units of a GSHP occupy only a few square metres inside your building.

Large buildings or multi-building sites can benefit from GSHP, just the same as a small enclosed property. GSHP are currently installed on private homes, housing estates, stately homes, hotels, and commercial/industrial sites.

Is GSHP technology just for Newbuild or can I retrofit?

GSHP is suitable for both newbuild and retrofit. Designing any new property is an ideal time to implement the best heating/cooling systems, as this provides the opportunity to implement GSHP prior to landscaping.

GSHP is ideal for listed properties as the system is buried below the ground. The UK Royal Family are always at the forefront of sound eco technologies. Buckingham Palace was one of the first major UK Listed Building Complexes to look at utilising GSHP technology.

As no fossil-fuel burner is required, a GSHP can be installed in places where a conventional furnace cannot. There is no need for an exhaust outlet such as a vent or chimney. This makes newbuild or retrofit much easier to install than a fossil-fuel system within a building.

Do GSHP technologies and landscaped gardens go together?

Certainly, disruption will be caused when installing vertical or horizontal trenches. Once installed, the GSHP will not adversely affect lawns, bushes, trees, or other natural landscape features.

Conversely, tall shrubs/trees will not affect the GSHP. A GSHP uses the constant temperature of the Sun on the Globe and taps in to this natural power grid, situated well below the surface of the Earth.

Can I combine a GSHP with other technologies?

The simple answer is yes. GSHP technologies can form all or part of your heating/cooling needs. For the most sustainable benefits see Solar-Thermal for hot water, stirling-engines for electricity and wind-turbines for electricity.

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