Ground Source Heat Pump
Installation Swanley

A network of pipes is installed in trenches in your garden or housed within deep boreholes drilled into the ground. This loop is filled with a special mixture of water and antifreeze (often called brine), chosen to prevent freezing even in the coldest weather. This fluid constantly circulates through the loop, acting like a heat collector, absorbing the constant ground temperature (which tends to be warmer than the air temperature) . Because the Earth acts like a giant thermal battery, its temperature stays around 10-12°C throughout the year, providing a reliable source of heat for your GSHP.

The water-antifreeze mix circulating through the underground loop constantly draws heat energy from the ground. Even though the ground temperatures might seem cool, they're significantly warmer than your home's heating requirements in the winter. The GSHP system relies on this gentle but steady transfer of heat from the ground to the fluid. 

The GSHP unit itself is the heart of the system, acting as a heat transformer. The cool fluid returning from the underground loop enters a heat exchanger within the GSHP, where clever science takes over. The GSHP uses a compressor to pressurise the fluid, which concentrates its thermal energy, making it significantly hotter. This process is similar to how a bicycle pump heats up when you use it – compressing air increases its temperature. In conjunction with the compressor, a heat exchanger transfers this concentrated heat from the compressed fluid to a separate refrigerant circuit within the GSHP.

The refrigerant, now at a much higher temperature thanks to the compression process, flows through another heat exchange unit within the GSHP. This acts like a bridge, transferring the heat extracted from the ground (via the water-antifreeze mix) to your home's central heating system. The warmed-up water from this heat exchanger is then circulated through your space heating devices like radiators and underfloor heating (if installed), keeping you warm and comfortable during the winter months.

While heating is the primary function, some GSHPs are reversible, offering an additional benefit in the summer. During hot weather, the system can essentially go into reverse. The refrigerant absorbs heat from your home's interior air circulation, cooling it down. The now-warmed refrigerant then transfers this heat back to the cooler ground through the underground loop, keeping your home comfortable even during hot spells.

• Pre-Installation Consultation - Our friendly Swanley team will visit your property to assess how much space is available, the ground conditions, and your heating requirements. We'll discuss your options and tailor a GSHP system design to perfectly suit your home. It's vital to determine at this stage whether there's enough space to house the equipment needed.
• Groundwork Expertise - Our experienced partners will carefully excavate trenches in your garden, typically to a depth of 1-2 metres. We ensure minimal disruption and will replace any topsoil removed during the process. 
• Loop Placement - Heat Pump Gang's accredited installers will expertly lay the water-antifreeze mixture-filled pipes within the trenches, ensuring optimal heat transfer from the ground. 
• Pressure Testing and Backfilling - Once the loop is securely placed, we'll conduct thorough pressure tests to ensure there are no leaks. Finally, we'll carefully backfill the trenches, leaving your garden looking pristine.

GSHPs use ground loops to extract heat from the ground. Heat Pump Gang offers two main loop options:  

• Horizontal Loop - Installed in trenches dug in your garden (typically 1-2 metres deep). This is generally the more affordable option. 
• Borehole Loop - This method uses deep-drilled boreholes (50-200 metres) and is necessary for properties with limited garden space. Boreholes tend to be more expensive due to the specialised drilling required. 
• Property Size and Heating Requirements - Larger homes with greater heating demands will require a more powerful GSHP unit and potentially a more extensive loop system, impacting the overall cost. 
• Ground Conditions - The type of soil on your property can influence the complexity of ground excavation or drilling, affecting installation costs. 

Even if your project seems straightforward, don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly Swanley team at Heat Pump Gang. We can guide you through the process and help determine if permission is required for your specific GSHP installation. Our experience with UK building regulations can give you peace of mind as you embark on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable and comfortable home.

GSHPs extract heat from the constant temperature of the ground, resulting in outstanding efficiency. You can expect a GSHP to deliver up to 4 times more energy as heat than the electricity it consumes, significantly reducing your energy bills compared to traditional boilers. 

Ground source heat pumps are generally compatible with other renewable technologies, such as solar thermal and solar PV, offering more ways to reduce your energy bill and your carbon footprint!

We cover this in more detail in our article “heat pumps and solar panels”.

GSHPs are a remarkably low-carbon technology. By harnessing renewable geothermal energy, you'll be minimising your carbon emissions and helping the UK strive towards a greener future that's less reliant on fossil fuels.

GSHPs boast exceptional lifespans, lasting for at least 25 years with proper maintenance. The underground ground loop requires minimal maintenance, further reducing long-term costs.

Not only can GSHPs provide warmth in the winter, but they can also be reversed to deliver cool air during the summer months. Enjoy a comfortable temperature all year round with a single, sustainable system.

The UK government currently offers grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to help offset the upfront cost of installing a GSHP. This makes switching to a ground source heat pump a more attractive investment than ever before.

More information about funding in our article “ground source heat pump grants”.

At Heat Pump Gang, we are experts in GSHP installations. Our team of qualified engineers will ensure a smooth and professional installation, giving you complete peace of mind. 

Investing in a GSHP is an investment in the future of your home. With its exceptional efficiency, low running costs, and environmental benefits, a ground source heat pump from Heat Pump Gang is the perfect solution for homeowners seeking a sustainable and cost-effective way to heat and cool their property.

These are the most common type due to their affordability and functionality in most climates. They extract heat from outside air, even at low temperatures, to warm your home. ASHPs come in two main categories: 

• Air-to-air heat pumps - Similar to air conditioners, but can also heat your home. They work well with existing heating systems like radiators or underfloor heating, but might not be ideal for very large or extremely cold areas. 
• Air-to-water heat pumps - Heat water for distribution through a wet heating system. Perfect for properties without central heating or looking to replace an old boiler. 

A ground source heat pump works by extracting heat from the ground through a network of pipes buried underground. This heat is then used to warm your home via a heat exchanger.