Air Source Heat Pumps VS Ground Source Heat Pumps
If you’ve opted to install a heat pump property, there are many factors to consider before you can complete the project.
For example, not only will you have to weigh up the costs and practicalities associated with installing a heat pump, but you’ll also have to choose between the two most common types of installation available.
More specifically, you’ll have to decide whether to install an air or ground source heat pump in your home. So, here’s our brief guide to help you make an informed decision:
How Do These Pumps Work?
In simple terms, heat pumps work by absorbing heat from a particular source and transforming it into a liquid.
This is then compressed further to increase the temperature before the heat is transferred from the liquid into the water which provides warmth for a property (either through radiators or underfloor heating).
With this in mind, the main difference between air and ground source heat pumps revolves around where they draw their heat from. Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the air, for example, whereas ground source heat pumps draw heat from the earth.
This may influence your final choice, as not all properties have the configuration to absorb and transfer heat from a ground source.
What About Costs?
As we can see, the technologies behind these heat pumps and the way in which they work are undeniably similar.
The same principle cannot be applied to the cost of these installations, however, as you’ll have to pay around £6,000 to £8,000 to fit an air source heat pump on average.
Conversely, a ground source heat pump installation will cost up to 100% more, with prices ranging between £10,000 and £18,000. This is largely due to the cost of digging a ground loop in the land outside your home, which may or may not be possible depending on its location.
Whilst this is likely to be a key factor in your decision, you should note that ground source heat pumps are considered to be more efficient when heating your home.
This will ultimately translate into higher energy savings over time, creating a scenario where you may recoup the initial cost of installing your ground source heat pump after a fixed number of years.
What are the benefits of air source heat pumps?
Heat Pumps are an Efficient Energy Source
Thanks to the fundamental nature of air source heat pumps, these systems provide a truly efficient energy source and a potentially low carbon footprint.
One of the main reasons for this is that they can be alternatively powered by wind or solar energy, which minimises your reliance on fossil fuels and may enable you to receive future payments through the UK’s Renewable Heat Initiative.
Heat pumps are particularly efficient during the summer, and this is borne out by the details of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER).
Heat Pumps Can Work at Considerably Lower Temperatures
On a similar note, air source heat pumps are also capable of delivering heat at a lower temperature, particularly when compared to conventional gas and oil-fired boilers.
In fact, air source heat pumps can deliver heat at temperatures that are 20 degrees lower overall, helping you to minimise consumption and maintain a more comfortable living environment.
This should also allow you to minimise waste, creating a scenario where you save more on your monthly energy bills.
Heat Pumps Can Supply Hot Water on Demand
With most conventional heating systems, it’s possible to access an instant supply of hot water as and when required.
Whilst air source heat pumps can also provide hot water on demand, this system also enables you to create a secure store for later use.
Despite this, there’s no need for additional fuel storage, which means that you can install an air source heat pump without compromising the available space in your home.
Pipeline Plumbing Services and Your Installation - What You Need to Know
For most homeowners, air-source heat pumps represent the most viable option from these two choices, depending on the location of their property and their available budgets.
If you do decide to install an air source heat pump and reside in Pulborough or the surrounding area, Pipeline Plumbing Services are ideally placed to help you achieve your objectives. After all, our engineers have more than 38 years of experience in the industry, whilst we’re also Gas Safe registered and fully insured.
To find out more about air source heat pumps or discuss your installation, why not give us a call today on either 01903 740538 or 07871 725133. Or, you can email us at info@pipelineplumbingservices.co.uk and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
