Heat pumps have been in the market for a long time. They’re as simple as a refrigerator. They just move energy from one place to another. There are many types of heat pumps, depending on their use and functionality, but air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps are the most common. Air source heat pumps are simple to install. But they have a few limitations. Let’s look at a second kind of heat pump: ground source heat pumps.
Ground Source Heat Pump
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A ground source heat pump works on a principle of transferring heat from one place to another. In this specific case, it transfers heat energy from ground to our houses. You have to drill deep down the ground for this purpose. The ground has a property that its temperature remains steady around the year. Unlike the air source heat pumps who take energy from the air which has variable temperature. This makes the functioning of ground source heat pumps much easier.
This type of heat pump has water pipes laid underground. These pipes are then attached to a heat Pump. The natural heat energy emitting from the ground is captured by the heat pump and then transferred to your house through the pipes.
Is Ground Source Heat Pump a Good Choice?
A ground source heat pump is a good option if you’re looking for a long-term, energy-efficient and sustainable heating and cooling solution. It has less carbon emissions than the traditional fuel based systems. Although, it has high initial cost but it proves to be pocket friendly for you in the long run. It has a longer life span to help you save money. But like other systems, GSHP also have some drawbacks that you should consider before making a final choice!!!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ground Source Heat Pumps
Despite the fact that ground source heat pumps are very useful because they use the earth’s own energy to heat water. They also have some disadvantages that should be considered. It is important to highlight some of the various advantages and disadvantages of ground source heat pumps that can be found in the following list.
Advantages of Ground Source Heat Pumps
Below is a list that we have compiled with what we believe to be some of the most notable advantages of the GSHP (Ground source heat pumps):
1- Sustainable Energy Resource
Ground source heat pumps take their energy from the ground’s core. The temperature of the earth is relatively constant throughout the year. Due to this, are able to operate in even colder weather conditions. It is possible to re-use the heat energy that we get from the ground over and over. That is why it is also known as renewable energy.
2- More Efficiency and Less Utility Bills
Ground source heat pumps are said to be 400% efficient. For every 3.5-4 units of energy produced, it only consumes 1 unit of electricity, making a direct positive impact on your monthly utility bills. They are so efficient that they can save you up to 50% on your monthly utility bills.
3- Less Carbon Emissions
Like other heating solutions, ground source heat pumps don’t emit carbon. They don’t consume any kind of fuel, just electricity. This means they produce much less carbon.
4- More Safety and Less Concerns
These heat pumps are safer than other combustion based heating or cooling systems. They only consume electricity to perform their task and do not consume any fuel thus, reducing the safety concerns.
5- Long Life Span
With proper care and maintenance, you can easily get 15 to 20 years out of your ground source heat pump. Ground-source pumps are installed under the ground, which means they’re not exposed to the outside, which makes them last longer.
6- Increase in Value of Property
Ground source heat pumps are an addition to your property that many homeowners today appreciate. Therefore installing a heat pump is a source of significant increase in the value of your property.
Disadvantages of Ground Source Heat Pumps
Here are some of the disadvantages related to GSHP that are probably the most concerning:
1- Expensive Installation
Ground source heat pumps are expensive to install as they need lots of ground work for their installation. Excavation and drilling of the ground needs professionals and equipments that will be very costly for you. Therefore, the upfront cost becomes very high.
2- Space Requirements
GSHP require large pipes to be spread around your property. Therefore, large space is needed to fulfill the purpose. Also the ground needs digging up to bury all these pipes which is not possible in small spaces. A vertical ground source heat pump is a suitable option if you have a small space but still want the GSHP. But it’s expensive at first.
3- Soil Type Requirements
Sandy soil or clay soil both work perfectly fine for GSHP. But some installers recommend that clay soil should be used because sandy soil may lessen the efficiency of a ground source heat pump.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Auestions):
How much does a ground source heat pump cost to run?
The cost of installing and running a ground source heat pump is approximately £655 per year, while the cost of constructing one is approximately $18,000. The price of the installation varies depending on the size of the installation and any additional work that may have to be done.
Do ground source heat pumps work in winter?
Ground source heat pumps are capable of providing heating in the winter as well as cooling in the summer. Heat pumps capable of operating at high temperatures are available for retrofit installations in order to avoid the need to renovate the heat distribution system.
How long do ground source heat pumps last?
The ground source heat pump (GSHP) has a life expectancy of 25 years, ten years longer than combustion boilers. In addition, one of the most expensive components, the ground heat exchanger, is expected to last over 100 years.
Do heat pumps use a lot of electricity?
Electricity is required to run heat pumps, but the amount is relatively small. In the modern heat pump system, the heat is transferred three to four times more than the electrical energy they consume. The homeowner pays for the heating and cooling energy.
Are ground source heat pumps noisy?
Due to the fact that they do not take heat from the air and they do not require a fan, ground source heat pumps are not noisy at all. These pumps can therefore be installed inside without any problems.
