Are you considering purchasing a heat pump? If so, you may need to choose between an air source or ground source pump. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, so read on to find out what these are so you can make the right choice for your needs.
What do heat pumps do?
Heat pumps allow you to produce hot water in an energy-efficient way. They take heat from the environment and transfer it to a fluid. This fluid is then compressed so the temperature is increased. The heat from the compressed fluid is transferred to the central heating system and can be used to heat your home and your water.
Which type of pump should I purchase?
Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the air, with ground source heat pumps taking it from the ground. One of most important things you need to think about when choosing between the two is cost. The price you may for an installation can also depend on factors like how big your house is and the age of your home. It normally costs less to have a heat pump connected to a newbuild. The amount of prep work needed will also have an influence on cost.
How much do heat pump installations cost?
It can cost between £7,000 and £13,000 to have an air source heat pump installed. A ground source heat pump can cost up to £30,000, with prices starting at around £20,000. Ground source heat pumps cost more because expensive external work will need to take place in your garden. You’ll need to have boreholes or slinkies installed if you’re opting for a ground source heat pump. A key benefit of choosing a ground source heat pump is that it may heat your home more efficiently, so you can reduce fuel costs. You may also receive Renewable Heat Incentive or RHI payments when you have a ground source heat pump installed.
How efficient will my pump be?
The efficiency of your pump is determined by the temperature of the source. If the source is particularly cold, the heat pump will need to work harder. Ground source heat pumps take heat from the soil, which doesn’t get as cold or as warm as the air does. At some times of the year, an air source heat pump will be more effective than a ground source heat pump. However, a ground source heat pump will be more efficient on average. It’s also worth noting that an air source heat pump will be quicker to install as no land needs to be dug up. If you have a larger home, you will need to buy a bigger air source heat pump.
Contact us
If you have any further queries about air source and ground source heat pumps, contact Ability today. We can provide all the information that you need so you can come to an informed decision about buying a heat pump. Reach us today by completing the form on the site, by calling us on 01892 514495 or by sending a message to info@ability.uk.com
