Is my property suitable?
If you are considering a heat pump it is very important to make sure your home is well insulated as heat pumps work best in buildings that require little energy to maintain a temperature once it has been reached.
Heat pumps operate more efficiently the smaller the temperature difference between the collectors (the pipes in the ground) and the emitters (the heat distribution system). Consequently, heat pumps produce heat at a lower temperature than a conventional central heating system and so a larger area is required for the heat distribution. Underfloor heating is ideal but heat pump specific large radiators can also be used. Heat pumps also work more efficiently when there are gradual rather than sudden demands on the system.
The efficiency of a heat pump is calculated in a ratio called the ‘Coefficient of Performance’ (CoP). So, for example, if your heat pump produces 4 units (kW) of heat for every 1 unit (kW) of electricity used, the CoP will be 4. The CoP is dependent on factors such as correct sizing of the system, type of heat distribution system, energy efficiency of the property, ground temperature and required room temperature. As a heat pump will not always operate at its maximum efficiency the quoted CoP will always be higher than the actual efficiency of the system over the year.
A typical domestic pump is the size of a large fridge and you may wish to have it installed in an outbuilding or basement. It is preferable to site it close to the collector pipes.
A good installer will make sure that the heat pump, collector and heat distribution system are sized correctly. Under or over sizing the component parts will lead to a drop in efficiency and could result in excess expense, frozen ground or a poorly heated home.
Costs and savings
A ground source heat pump costs around £13,000 to install, though prices vary considerably depending on the size of the system and the additional work required (e.g. fitting underfloor heating).
The type of fuel you are replacing will determine how much you save, as will the CoP of the system. Based on a 4-bedroom detached property the potential savings are:
The initial capital cost will be offset by reduced fuel bills and there is little need for service or maintenance. The majority of the energy you use for heating will come from the ground so you will be less subject to price fluctuations and will have a secure energy supply for your home.
If you have renewable electricity generation the running costs will be lower, particularly with a wind turbine as more generation will occur during winter when you require heating, rather than solar electric which produces more energy in the summer. If all the electricity used for the heat pump is renewable then you’ll have zero-carbon heating.
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