Ground Heat Source Pumps Disadvantages
Is a ground source heat pump
worth it?
Ground source heat pumps are
excellent low-carbon heating systems, popular for their high efficiency and low
running costs, so they are definitely worth it. Ground source heat pumps use
the constant temperature of the ground to heat your home; for space and/or
domestic water heating.
Once installed, running
costs are very low, and since this type of heat pump qualifies for renewable
heat incentives in a variety of heat pumps, you can actually earn some extra
income. However, the initial price of a ground source heat pump is high, which
may be prohibitive for some homeowners.
Heat pumps play an important
role in reducing carbon emissions. By investing in a ground source heat pump,
you can minimize your carbon footprint.
How does a ground source
heat pump work?
A ground source heat pump
system is a network of water pipes buried in the ground that connect to a heat
pump at ground level. Water and antifreeze are pumped into the network, also
known as a "ground loop", which absorbs naturally occurring heat and
stores it underground. The water and antifreeze mixture is compressed and passed
through a heat exchanger, which extracts heat and transfers it to the heat
pump. The heat is then transferred to your home heating system to heat your
radiators and underfloor heating systems.
Since the ground outside
always contains some warmth, a ground source heat pump can provide heat to your
home even if it's cold. However, it is crucial to properly insulate your house
so that the heat generated is retained for as long as possible. Proper
insulation can also keep your home cool during the warmer months of the year.
What are the disadvantages
of owning a ground source heat pump?
As with most things in life,
there are some downsides to installing a ground source heat pump. They are not
suitable for every home and installation requires a lot of work.
The main disadvantages are:
1. The installation is expensive. 2. Charges may apply beyond the initial
installation. 3. Destructive installation. 4. Not suitable for small gardens.
1. Expensive to install.
Installing a ground source
heat pump requires a large upfront payment. This is usually between £10,000 and
£18,000, depending on the size of the system. If you don't already have
underfloor heating installed, you may also want to install underfloor heating
to get the most out of your heat pump.
2. Charges may apply beyond
the initial installation.
To experience the full
benefits of a heat pump, your home must be properly insulated, including cavity
wall insulation, roof insulation, and double glazing. If you don't already have
these, this may incur additional charges.
3. Destructive installation.
Installing a heat pump
system is a tough job that requires digging out your garden. You may also need
to install underfloor heating and new radiators, which will increase the
disturbance.
4. Not suitable for small
gardens.
If your home doesn't have a
reasonably sized outdoor space where you can bury the pipes, you can't install
a heat pump. Ground source heat pumps can be used in apartments, but all owners
must agree to the cost and disruption that comes with installing one.
What are the advantages of
owning a ground source heat pump?
As well as helping the UK
achieve its 2050 net-zero emissions target, there are some very real benefits
to having a ground source heat pump in your home.
Key benefits include: 1.
Financial Aid. 2. Efficiency. 3. Safety. 4. Less maintenance. 5. Longevity.
1. Financial Aid.
The upfront cost of
installing a ground source heat pump makes it unaffordable. However, if you do
install one in your home, you can save some considerable energy bills, and the
Energy Saving Trust estimates a ground source heat pump can save you up to
£1,400 a year. To bridge the gap between the initial outlay and the savings you
can expect, the government provides financial help for the cost of heat pumps. The
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme pays occupiers with a heat pump,
typically between £2,335 and £2,750 for an average four-bedroom house.
2. Efficiency.
For every unit of
electricity used by a heat pump, three to four units of heat are captured and transferred
to your home. This makes a well-installed heat pump between 300% and 400%
efficient in terms of electricity usage. Thanks to this impressive efficiency,
it produces 70% less CO2 emissions than conventional gas boiler systems. If the
electricity used to power the pump is provided by renewable energy, carbon
emissions can be reduced to zero.
3. Safety.
Heat pump systems are safer
than combustion-based heating systems such as gas or oil boilers. They are safe
to run because they rely more on electricity and don't need to burn fuel to
generate heat, so they have fewer safety concerns.
4. Less maintenance.
A well-installed ground
source heat pump requires a small amount of maintenance in the form of annual
inspections, which the owner can do without the need for an engineer. The
installer can provide you with details of maintenance requirements and advice
on how to optimize system performance. Compared to traditional heating systems,
heat pumps have fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of failure and the
potential risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
5. Longevity.
Ground source heat pumps
have a longer lifespan than most combustion-based heating systems. The average
lifespan is usually around 15 years, but can be as long as 50 years. The
geothermal heat exchange elements of a heat pump unit are designed to last over
100 years, something you won't find in any other heating system.
There are pros and cons to
installing a ground source heat pump, but the long-term benefits may outweigh
the initial costs and short-term disruption. As modern nations move toward a
net-zero future, more and more people will change the way they heat their
homes. Ground source heat pumps will become the mainstream choice, saving you
money and creating a cleaner, greener environment for everyone.