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Ground Source Heating, Everything you Need to Know

Ground source heating is set to become one of THE leading ways to generate energy in the modern homes.

This is because it is eco-friendly and energy efficient, relying on heat from that most renewable of sources, the sun. It has also been proven to dramatically reduce fuel bills. There are many questions householders will want to ask, before embarking down this route. In this blog we’ve answered the public’s most common questions. If you are thinking of getting a ground source heat pump installed, read this first!

What is ground source heating?

Ground source heating is a method of heating your home using an entirely renewable method. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) use pipes buried in a garden to produce heat from the ground. This heat can then be used to provide a home’s heating requirements including radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and of course hot water in your home.

how does ground source heating work?

Radiation from the sun works to heat the earth. It is stored just below the earth 2 metres down. A ground source heat pump taps into this source to generate heat. Even in Winter it stays at a consistent temperature. A ground source heat pump works by circulating a combination of water and antifreeze around a ground loop, which is piping buried in your garden. Heat from the ground is taken up into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanged into the heat pump.

How do you install ground source heating?

First of all you would need to speak to a trusted company who would provide an initial consultation and survey. You would then fit piping – the ground loop – buried in your garden. The length of the ground loop depends on the size of your home and your heating requirements. The installer would then dig the trenches for a horizontal ground source heat pump system, or drill boreholes for a vertical ground source heat pump system. Once all the pipes are laid, connected and tested, your contractor will then modify or replace your old heat distribution infrastructure with a newer one. Underfloor heating rather than a radiator set up is the ideal combination with ground source heat pumps. Finally once the heat pump has been put in place, your contractor will connect it to ground loop and will fire up the heat pump.

What are the best ones to install?

This really depends on your heating needs. Horizontal loop systems will generally be preferable if you have higher heating requirements and more space outside. They are also cheaper, The work via trenches built in your garden with pipes laid at depths of between 1m to 2m.

Vertical loop systems work where there is less than half an acre of outdoor space. Boreholes are drilled at deeper depths with pipes then buried into them. Although the costs for set up are higher, the heat collection efficiency is significantly better. This is because ground temperatures are more stable the deeper the loop is located,

Are ground source heat pumps worth it?

There are numerous benefits. Because ground source heat pumps have very few moving parts, usually very little can go wrong. Having said that, geothermal heat pumps often do require seasonal adjustments in order to ensure they operate as efficiently as possible during both heating and cooling periods. Working with the right supplier is vital. Zing Energy has a series of leading experts in ground source heating who can provide you with tailored solutions and guidance based on the specifics of your property.

Are ground source heat pumps noisy?

A big myth about ground source heat pumps is that they are noisy. In fact they make less noise than an oil boiler or a gas boiler. They also do not take the heat from the air, and they don’t require a fan. Therefore, they can be placed inside and they are more silent than other solutions.

How much do ground source heat pumps cost?

This can vary significantly. Ground source heat pump costs around £655 a year to run and several thousand to install. However prices vary considerably depending on the size of the system and the additional work required (e.g. fitting underfloor heating). However the long term servings are massive. Savings can equate to £1,500 per year. In a few years the savings will outpace any initial set up costs. It is also a huge selling point for home owners which can increase the value of your home. With the world becoming more eco-conscious it is a good long term investment. Zing Energy also has a range of options for financing meaning you won’t have to fork out big costs up front.

Speak to one of our experts today for a free consultation and see if ground source heating could work for you.

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