Like thousands of other homeowners in Swanley, you might be looking for a renewable heating system to reduce your home's carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. If so, you might want to consider a ground source heat pump (GSHP) from Heat Pump Gang.
Our ground source heat pump installation service in Swanley will revolutionise your home's heating and domestic hot water system! GSHPs are a highly efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat your property, and with our expert team handling the installation, you can enjoy the benefits with minimal disruption.
A ground source heat pump (GSHP) is a clever piece of technology that taps into the Earth's constant underground temperature to provide heating for your home. Imagine a system that extracts warmth from the ground in winter and releases it into your radiators, underfloor heating system and hot water cylinder. In the summer, it can even do the opposite, absorbing heat from your home to keep it cool. All this while using significantly less energy than a traditional boiler.
All of this makes GSHPs one of the best renewable energy systems currently available! We cover this in more detail in our article “what is a ground source heat pump?”.
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.
At Heat Pump Gang in Swanley, we offer two main GSHP loop installation options to suit your property and needs - the horizontal ground loop system and vertical boreholes. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect...
Once the loop installation process is complete, our team will connect it to the GSHP unit within your home, ensuring everything is set up and functioning perfectly. Ideally, the GSHP unit, circulation pumps, buffer tank and cylinder will be housed in a plant room, which will typically be no larger than a tall fridge-freezer.
We'll also provide comprehensive training on how to operate your new GSHP system and answer any questions you may have.
The installation time can vary depending on several factors, but here's an approximate guide:
Considering all the factors, a typical domestic GSHP installation from Heat Pump Gang can be completed within 2-4 weeks. However, it's important to remember this is an estimate. Our experienced team will be able to provide a more accurate time frame after carrying out a full survey of your property.
During the installation process, Heat Pump Gang prioritises minimising disruption to your home. We will ensure you are kept informed throughout the project and will always strive to complete the work as efficiently as possible.
We're passionate about bringing the benefits of ground source heat pumps to Swanley homes. Still, we understand upfront costs can be a major consideration. This guide will shed light on the factors influencing GSHP installation prices and provide a general cost range for Heat Pump Gang's services.
GSHPs use ground loops to extract heat from the ground. Heat Pump Gang offers two main loop options:
Due to the various factors mentioned above, it's difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all cost for GSHP installations in Swanley. However, to give you a general idea, at Heat Pump Gang, a typical ground source heat pump system installation can range from £16,200 to £49,000, including:
Horizontal loops tend to fall within the lower range (£16,200 – £31,000), while borehole installations typically cost more due to the drilling requirements (ranging from £23,200 – £49,000).
We cover costs in more detail in our article “ground source heat pump costs”.
While the initial cost might seem significant, remember that GSHPs offer exceptional energy efficiency. Government grants, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, can significantly offset the upfront investment. Additionally, GSHPs boast lower running costs compared to traditional boilers, leading to long-term savings on your energy bills.
More information about funding in our article “ground source heat pump grants”.
At Heat Pump Gang, we understand navigating local planning regulations can be tricky. Here's the good news: in most cases, you likely won't need planning permission to install a ground source heat pump on your property!
GSHP installations typically fall under permitted development rights. This means you can proceed with the installation without a formal planning application, as long as certain criteria are met. These criteria are generally straightforward:
However, there are a few situations where permission might be required:
Large-Scale Installations - For commercial properties or projects requiring extensive groundwork, planning permission may be necessary.
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.
At Heat Pump Gang, we understand the importance of creating a comfortable and energy-efficient home. That's why we recommend ground source heat pumps for homeowners seeking a future-proof heating solution. Here's why a GSHP from Heat Pump Gang could be the perfect fit for your property:
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.
While ground source heat pumps are a great investment for many homeowners, they're not suitable for everyone, so it's wise to consider the alternatives.
Currently, there are four types of heat pump available in the UK:
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:
Extract heat from the ground, which has a more constant temperature than air. This makes GSHPs more efficient, especially in cold weather. However, installation is more expensive due to requiring underground pipes. GSHPs are ideal for properties with a large garden or area for the groundworks.
Extract heat from bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or canals. Less common than ASHPs or GSHPs, but suitable for properties near a suitable water source. These are more applicable for commercial properties or those with access to a large body of water. This type of heat pump is very rare in the UK at the moment.
These combine an air source heat pump with a gas boiler, allowing them to use the most efficient source of heat depending on the conditions. They are well-suited for cold climates or properties with high hot water demand.
A fifth type is also used, known as exhaust air heat pumps, but these have limited applications. They are most suitable for buildings with good ventilation systems, which are not as common in the UK, although they might be a better fit for new builds with modern ventilation systems.
As a professional heat pump installer, Heat Pump Gang provides sound, trustworthy advice on the subject. We will discuss your options, taking into account your budget, location and property type to help you choose the best heat pump.
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:
Are you ready to unlock the potential of a ground source heat pump for your home? At Heat Pump Gang, we offer free, no-obligation consultations. Our friendly team will assess your property, discuss your requirements, and provide a tailored quote for your GSHP installation.
Contact Heat Pump Gang today to discover how a ground source heat pump can revolutionise your home's comfort and contribute to a greener future!
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.
The benefits of installing a ground source heat pump include lower energy bills, reduced carbon footprint, and a reliable, consistent heating system. It also requires less maintenance compared to conventional systems.
The cost of ground source heat pump installation in the UK varies but typically ranges from £10,000 to £18,000. This cost depends on the size of the system and the specifics of the installation site.
It usually takes around 1 to 2 weeks to install a ground source heat pump, depending on the complexity of the installation and site conditions. The process involves drilling, laying pipes, and setting up the heat pump unit.
Yes, ground source heat pumps are highly efficient in the UK climate. They can provide reliable heating even in cold weather, as the ground maintains a relatively stable temperature year-round.
Maintenance for a ground source heat pump is minimal. It typically involves annual checks to ensure the system is running efficiently and to inspect components for wear and tear.
