Installing a ground source heat pump

Ground source heat pumps use highly energy-efficient heating technology to heat your homes. Whether or not you can get a ground source heat pump depends on several factors, including how much garden space you have. 

Below, we explain all the things you need to consider before deciding to get a ground source heat pump, including the difference between a horizontal and vertical pump system and how to find an approved installer.

Should I buy a ground source heat pump?

Here are five key things you need to think about if you are considering installing a ground source heat pump:

1. The size of your home

You'll need to have enough outdoor space to support the ground loop and pump, and access for digging machinery. Get an installer to advise on your particular circumstances.

2. Existing fuel system

Savings will be greater if you're replacing an old or expensive heating system (such as LPG or electric heating), than if you're connected to mains gas.

3. What heating system you're using

A ground source heat pump produces low-temperature heat, so is best connected to a low heat system such as underfloor heating.

Radiators are unlikely to achieve the same heat you might be accustomed to from boiler-powered central heating. 

4. Water heating

You may need a separate electric immersion heater if you buy a heat pump, so ensure you have indoor space for that. 

5. Insulation

Before considering a ground source heat pump, improve your home's energy efficiency with loft and cavity wall insulation.

If you don't take the appropriate steps, you'll be paying to generate heat you're making little use of.

Find out more about installing loft and cavity wall insulation. 

Horizontal and vertical ground source heat pump systems: what's the difference?

The ground loop (the network of pipes pumping the water underground) can be fitted horizontally or vertically. The type of system you choose depends on the space you have available. 

Horizontal systems are laid in a shallow trench over a wider surface area. The Ground Source Heat Pump Association estimates that a new-build three-bedroom house (around 120m²) would need two trenches which are 30 to 40 metres long.

On the other hand, a vertical system buries the pipes in a borehole. Depending on the size of the system, the borehole could be anywhere between 15 and 100 metres deep. 

Whatever type of ground source heat pump you install, it's important that the system is correctly sized for your heating needs.

Installing a ground source heat pump

If you're considering getting a a ground source heat pump installed, make sure you use a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installer.

There are rules on how heat pumps can now qualify for MCS, which makes it even more important to make sure the heat pump you're thinking of getting is MCS-approved. You can check this on the MCS website (search for 'product search').

The installation of a ground source heat pump typically takes one to two days for a professional installer to complete. 

If you're ready to call in someone to install a ground source heat pump, you can use our Which? Trusted Traders search tool below to find an accredited trader near you. All of our traders have been vetted so you can trust them to do a great job and all are MCS certified.

Heat pump energy labels

Heat pumps have to have an energy label on them. The label gives information about the energy efficiency of the heat pump and rates products from dark green (most efficient) to red (least efficient).

Since 25 March 2016, all heat pumps certified by the MSC have to be sold with a product label, and the installer must produce a package label. 

Heat pump heating controls

Ask your installer how you'll be able to control the ground source heat pump system, as understanding how to operate it efficiently will help you to get the most out of it. 

Your heating controls should allow you to pre-program your system to switch on or off at different times.

If your garden isn't big enough for a ground source heat pump, consider an air source heat pump instead.