Some of the questions that we get asked most commonly about our products and services are listed below.
- What is a Ground Source Heat Pump?
- How much do they cost?
- Are there Grants Available?
- How much will I save using a Ground Source Heat Pump?
- How do Ground Source Heat Pumps work?
- Does the Ground Source Heat Pump work all year round?
- How long do the Ground Source Heat Pump units last?
- How much annual maintenance is required on a Ground Source Heat Pump?
- Are there any warranties available?
- How much noise do Ground Source Heat Pumps generate?
- Where are Ground Source Heat Pumps located?
- How much space do I need for my Ground Source Heat Pump?
- What is suitable for a Ground Source Heat Pump installation?
- What is not suitable for a Ground Heat Pump installation?
- Do Ground Source Heat Pumps require single phase of three phase electrical supply?
- Will I need a new boiler?
- How much hot water is produced each day by a Ground Source Heat Pump?
- How much do they cost?
- How much will I save using a Ground Source Heat Pump?
- How green are Ground Source Heat Pumps?
What is a Ground Source Heat Pump?
This is a heating system that uses free solar energy stored in the ground to provide heating and hot water for many types of buildings. Within the UK there are over 5000 installations of this type of heating system. All new buildings being constructed in the UK will now feature renewable energy sources for heating and hot water with the demand for this type of technology increasing over time. There are over 2 million Ground Source Heat Pumps in use around the world today.
How much do they cost?
Ground Source Heat Pumps cost a little more than a boiler but the payback period can be as short as 4-5 years and save you up to 75% compared to traditional methods.
Are there Grants Available?
Danfoss Heat Pumps UK partner with British Gas and under the governments CERT scheme are able to offer a £1500 grant on all residential ground source heat pump installations. Danfoss Heat Pumps UK in partnership with British Gas can also offer funding of up to 50% for not for profit organisations, charitable bodies including schools.
How much will I save using a Ground Source Heat Pump?
Savings on fuel bills can be in the region of 75% compared with traditional heating systems.
How do Ground Source Heat Pumps work?
They work like a fridge by moving energy from one place to another. For example, a bottle of wine brought from your local supermarket is at room temperature. If you put it in your fridge and wait a few hours it will be cold enough to drink. If you touch the back of your fridge during that time you will feel heat. The fridge has taken the low temperature energy out of the wine, compressed it up to a higher temperature and in effect has warmed the kitchen up slightly. By using the same process Heat Pumps remove solar energy stored in either the earth, air of water around your building, compress it to a higher temperature and transfer it into your central heating system and hot water tank. They are also known as geothermal, ground source, earth energy, air source, water source heat pumps.
Does the Ground Source Heat Pump work all year round?
Yes this system provides heating and hot water 365 days a year.
How long do the Ground Source Heat Pump units last?
Typically each Ground Source Heat Pump unit will last around 25 years. This includes the actual pump and the pipe which is buried in the ground. The pipe is impervious to corrosion and tree roots and comes with a 50 year warranty.
How much annual maintenance is required on a Ground Source Heat Pump?
No annual maintenance is required.
Are there any warranties available?
Yes, we provide a full 5 year parts and labour warranty for all our Ground Source Heat Pumps.
How much noise do Ground Source Heat Pumps generate?
Noise levels generated are similar to a large American style refrigerator. Consideration for correct sound insulation for Timber Framed constructions is advisable. Typically our heat pumps unit will generate noise levels in the region of 42dB at a 1 metre distance.
Where are Ground Source Heat Pumps located?
The heat pump should ideally be located on a ground floor (ideally in a utility room or garage on an eternal wall). The pipe loop is buried within the ground up to a depth of 1 metre and is not visible. A manifold type system is used where more than two pipe tails are present which is located within a manhole. A single flow and return is then taken into the utility room or garage where the heat pump is situated. This can be through the wall or up through the floor.
How much space do I need for my Ground Source Heat Pump?
The heat pump unit has the same footprint of a dishwasher and stand between 1.4m to 1.8m and will fit in any model dwelling which has been constructed to UK standards (ceiling height is 2.3m) Space of 300mm should be allowed to one side of the unit to connect the ground loops.
What is suitable for a Ground Source Heat Pump installation?
Ground source heat pump installations are suitable for all new build and renovated building ranging from small houses, flats, apartment to schools and offices and spaces where heating and hot water are required. Where land area is restricted for the loop installation a ground source heat pump may not be suitable. An alternative would be either boreholes (which can be expensive) or an Air Source heat pump.
What is not suitable for a Ground Heat Pump installation?
Older buildings which have not been renovated and have no plans for renovation of heating system upgrade are generally not suitable for ground source heat pump technology. This is because the heating distribution system would have been designed for higher temperature water and its effectiveness at lower temperatures cannot be guaranteed. All new buildings from 1996 to present have been designed with thermal efficiency in mind, unlike properties built prior to this. A full or partial renovation of an older building and replacement of the heating system would normally allow for a ground source heat pump installation.
Do Ground Source Heat Pumps require single phase of three phase electrical supply?
We can supply heat pumps in either single or 3 phase.
Will I need a new boiler?
In most cases a Ground Source Heat Pump can be designed to supply all of the heating and domestic hot water without the need for support from a boiler (Gas, Oil & LPG).
How much hot water is produced each day by a Ground Source Heat Pump?
The system can provide all of your hot water for baths and showers. Mains pressure water tanks are available in sizes of 180 litres up to 1000 litres which. 180 litres is suitable for a domestic installation with a family of 4.
How much do they cost?
Ground Source Heat Pumps cost a little more than a boiler but the payback period can be as short as 4-5 years and save you up to 75% compared to traditional methods. Danfoss Heat Pumps UK partner with British Gas and are able to offer a £1500 grant on all residential ground source heat pump installations.
How much will I save using a Ground Source Heat Pump?
Savings on fuel bills can be in the region of 75% compared with traditional heating systems.
How green are Ground Source Heat Pumps?
A reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 75% would be expected. The Energy Efficiency rating assessments of new builds using Ground Source Heat Pumps are rated as "A," which is the highest level for heating and hot water production. An additional benefit is the residual value to the property in the event of a transfer of ownership. Ground Source Heat Pumps have a CoP (Coefficient of Performance) of 4:1. This means for every unit of energy consumed by the Ground Source Heat Pump you would get a return of 4 usable units of usable energy.
Please browse our website for more information about Ground Source Heat Pumps and our range of Heat Pumps then contact us on 0114 270 3900 to speak to one of our team or complete the enquiry form on the website.
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