With the cost of energy on the rise and a conscious shift towards living sustainably, heat pumps are becoming an ideal solution for homeowners looking to cut down on bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
That being said, researching heat pumps isn’t always straightforward. As an up-and-coming technology, the information can be technically heavy and sometimes conflict from site to site, making the research process feel like a bit of a minefield.
We’re here to break it down for you – without the jargon. In this post, we’ll talk about the two main types of heat pumps, explore their pros and cons, and advise on which is best for you.
What’s better, a ground source or an air source heat pump?
The two most common types of heat pumps are ground source and air source. Just like the names suggest, air source heat pumps generate heat from the outside air, and ground source from the earth below.
Both air and ground source have their own pros and cons, meaning it’s important to choose the right one for your particular needs, and your property’s suitability. Factors such as available space, climate, and budget will play a key role in determining which option is best for you.
The key differences
Whilst both heat pumps can absorb heat to circulate around your home, heat your water, and challenge the efficiency of a traditional boiler system, they each have distinct advantages. From installation and performance to cost and long-term savings, understanding these differences is essential in choosing the right system for you. Let’s look at them in more detail.
Performance
Air:
Air source heat pumps (also known as ASHPs) are highly efficient systems, however, their performance is more likely to be influenced by outdoor temperatures. However, the majority of recent models are equipped with defrost cycles and backup heating systems to tackle extremely cold climates. This probably isn’t something you’ll need to worry about too often in the UK.
Ground:
Ground source pumps are able to remain consistent no matter the outdoor weather, as they are protected from the elements, sourcing heat from deep below the ground. Generally speaking, their efficiency is more consistent than air source pumps as a result.
Installation requirements
Air:
As a rule, ASHPs are quicker and easier to install. They do need the space for an external unit, often mounted onto an exterior wall or the ground. This is connected to internal heating components via pipework and electrical cables that link to a unit within the property.
Installation has minimal disruption, so no extensive groundworks are needed, making them ideal for homes with limited space outdoors. It’ll typically take a few days to install, depending on the existing system in your home.
Air source pumps are typically better suited to small or medium-sized properties due to their space efficiency and minimal impact from sound and installation work.
Ground:
GSHPs (ground source heat pumps) are a little more complex when it comes to installation. They require outdoor pipework and an indoor unit composed of large cylinders, typically placed in an outbuilding, cellar or a designated heating room. The electricity supply for ground-source units also tends to be higher.
Underground pipework can be installed in two ways – horizontal trenches (requiring a large surface area) or vertical boreholes (deeper, but less land is required). This installation process is often a lot more intricate taking several weeks. It may involve excavation work that could disrupt surrounding landscaping.
Yes, ground source installations may be a bit more complicated. However, the long-term benefit is that they are far more protected from the elements than an air source pump, meaning they’ll have improved longevity and efficiency that make them a worthwhile choice.
GSHPs are well suited to larger properties (for example, a detached house) with homeowners looking to make a long-term investment in their property.
The cost
Air:
Let’s get straight to the point: typical costs for a domestic air source heat pump system are between £12,000 – £16,000, depending on the size of the property and the model you’re going for. Installation is a lot quicker and less invasive, contributing to the lower cost. However, they may not always be reliable as a ground heat source pump, and performance may slow down during extreme weather conditions. In the UK, it’s unlikely you’ll need to worry about this very often, though.
It’s worth being aware that some radiators might need upgrading to work at the lower flow temperatures provided by heat pumps which would incur extra costs.
Ground:
While more expensive to install, ground source pumps tend to offer more significantlong-term energy and bill savings. Typical costs vary between £25,000 – £45,000, including a new domestic hot water cylinder, buffer cylinder and ground/drilling works involved with installing the ground collector.
This higher cost comes from the need for excavation and groundwork, however, it reaps its reward with underground protection from the outside elements. Additionally, maintenance is minimal, and the system’s durability often helps offset the higher initial investment.
Summing it up
In summary, both air source and ground source pumps offer brilliant energy efficiency and can effectively replace traditional heating systems. Air source heat pumps are more affordable, quicker to install, and the ideal option for homes with limited space, or those looking for an economic option.
GSHPs, on the other hand, are generally more expensive to install due to the ground excavation required. However, performance is far more consistent, making it more likely to provide significant long-term savings. Given these facts, its best to install ground source pumps in a property with ample ground space and a homeowner who is looking to pay more for quality and reliability.
Ask the Heat Different Team
If you’re still unsure what system would be best for you and your property, get in touch and speak with a qualified heat pump engineer today! We’ll advise you on the best heat pump solution, and provide a quote with no strings attached. When you’re ready to make the switch to renewable heating solutions, call 01603 406052 or get in touch via our website and start your journey to green heating with Heat Different.