Ground Source Heat Pumps

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to run a heat pump?

  Running costs depend on several factors, including:

  • Your home’s insulation
  • The type of heat pump
  • The heat pump size
  • Your energy tariff.

  Heat pumps are typically cheaper to run than oil or LPG systems. The the cost difference with gas is narrowing as tariff structures become more favourable for heat pump users.

  There are a range of stages and variations to consider, e.g., the costs of installing ground source heat pumps, and the costs of running air source heat pumps.

  Combining heat pumps with solar panels and batteries can reduce running costs further.

• Can a heat pump replace my boiler completely?

  Yes.

  A properly designed heat pump system can supply all your space heating and hot water without a backup boiler.

  Hot water is stored in an unvented cylinder at 50–65°C. This is more than sufficient for showers, baths, and everyday household use.

• Is there funding available for heat pump installation?

  In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump.

  In Scotland, funding is available through ECOS and interest-free loans via the Home Energy Scotland Scheme.

  In Wales, the Warmer Homes Scheme and Nest programme offer additional support. We can help you identify which funding you’re eligible for.

  For more information read our Guide to Funding for Heat Pumps. 

• Can heat pumps work with my existing radiators?

  Yes, heat pumps work with both radiators and underfloor heating.

  In some cases, larger radiators may be needed to operate efficiently at a heat pump’s lower flow temperatures.

  Underfloor heating is ideal as it naturally suits these lower temperatures. We assess your existing system and advise on any upgrades during the design stage.

  For a more detailed look at this topic, read our blog: ‘Can I Use Radiators with a Heat Pump?’

• Do I need to upgrade to wider-bore pipework?

  Not necessarily, but if your current pipework has a small diameter (15mm or less, also known as microbore), then additional consideration will be needed on the design side to ensure optimal heat pump performance.

• How much space does a heat pump need indoors?

  The indoor components typically include:

  • A buffer tank
  • Hot water cylinder
  • Controls.

  They are usually housed in a utility room, garage, or basement.

  Ground source heat pumps require roughly 2m × 2–2.5m of floor space. Air source heat pump indoor components are more compact at around 1m × 1.5m.

  For more information, read our blog on this subject: ‘How Much Space Is Needed for a Ground Source Heat Pump?‘

• How much outdoor space does a ground source heat pump need?

  It depends on the collector type.

  Horizontal ground arrays require a large garden area. This is roughly 2–3 times the floor area of your home.

  Vertical boreholes require far less surface area but involve drilling to depth.

  We’ll recommend the best solution for your plot.

• Do I need planning permission to install a heat pump?

  In most cases, no.

  Heat pumps are classed as permitted development for most residential properties.

  However, there are some circumstances where you should check with your local planning authority before proceeding, including if your home is:

  • Listed
  • In a conservation area
  • Has other restrictions.

  To find outmore, read our article: ‘Do You Need Planning Permission to Install a Heat Pump?’

• How long does heat pump installation take?

  A standard heat pump installation typically takes about 3–5 days.

  This excludes any additional or unforeseen work that sometimes comes up, such as:

  • Groundworks for ground source systems or new underfloor heating
  • Electrical upgrades
  • Significant pipework changes.

  These, of course, may add to the timeline.

  The team will need access to key areas of your home. But we aim to minimise disruption and leave everything clean and tidy.

• Do heat pumps work in cold weather?

  Yes.

  Heat Pumps are designed to work efficiently even in very cold conditions, with most models operating down to -25°C.

  They work by extracting heat from the outside air or ground. It’s the same principle as a fridge, but in reverse.

  Efficiency reduces in extreme cold but the system continues to heat your home.
  
  Read more about this in our article: ‘Winter-Ready Tips: How to Get the Best Out of Your Heat Pump‘.

• How often does a heat pump need servicing?

  We recommend an annual service to keep your heat pump running efficiently and to maintain your warranty.

  Heat pumps are designed to last 20 years or more with proper care.

  If your system includes an unvented hot water cylinder, it will also require regular safety inspections by a qualified engineer.

• Are air source heat pumps noisy?

  Modern air source heat pumps are designed to be quiet.

  Regulations require that they do not exceed 42dB at a neighbour’s window — roughly the level of a quiet library.

  Careful positioning during installation also helps minimise any noise impact.

  Read our blog for a deeper dive into this topic: ‘Are Heat Pumps Noisy?‘

• How much does a heat pump system cost to install?

  The cost of installing an air source heat pump usually ranges between £9,000 and £15,000, depending on factors such as the size, power, hot water storage requirements, and internet controllability. Ground source systems can cost from £15,000 to over £30,000, depending on the heat pump size, hot water cylinder, and the chosen loop or borehole system.

• How should I choose a heat pump installer?

  Always choose an MCS-accredited installer.

  MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation is a recognised quality standard for renewable energy installations. It’s also a requirement for accessing grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

  We are MCS-accredited and can guide you through the entire process.