If you’re thinking of switching up your heating system, you’ve probably heard about ground source and air source heat pumps. They’re becoming more and more popular due to the many benefits they provide. But if you’re struggling to understand the difference between them both, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

What’s the Difference Between Ground Source Heat Pumps and Air Source Heat Pumps?

Ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps both provide effective heating and cooling in properties by transferring heat, however, they differ in their heat sources and efficiency.

Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the stable underground temperature whereas air source heat pumps extract heat from the air which can vary with the different seasons.

How Do They Work?

Heat pumps are an efficient way to heat your home and provide you with hot water. They work by using heat from outdoors – the ground or air – and transfer this thermal energy to a refrigeration fluid. This fluid is then compressed to increase its temperature before releasing its heat into the central heating system to supply warmth for heating your home and providing hot water.

This process not only maximises energy efficiency, but it also reduces reliance on fossil fuels making heat pumps an environmentally friendly choice for homes.

What’s the Installation Process for Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps?

When considering a heat pump in your home or business, it’s important to consider the installation process. Both ground source and air source heat pumps have their own requirements and considerations when it comes to installation, so let’s explore the distinctions.

Air Source Heat Pump Installation

Air source heat pumps are fitted outside the property without the need for ground arrays like pipe trenches or boreholes. However, because these heat pumps are fitted externally, most properties need planning permission due to their high noise output. Because of this, air source heat pumps are generally not recommended for high-density areas or communities.

After securing the necessary permissions, air source heat pumps are mounted outside, connecting refrigerant lines and electrical wiring.

Ground Source Heat Pump Installation

Ground source heat pumps typically don’t require planning permission as they are visually discreet. They also have a longer lifespan as the main components are indoors. The installation begins with specialist subcontractors carrying out groundwork to lay the ground arrays in a way that causes minimal disruption. Once the ground loops are installed, fitting the ground source heat pumps inside the property is straightforward and similar to installing a traditional boiler.

The indoor unit is connected to the building’s heating system followed by thorough testing of the entire system.

Which Heat Pump is Cheaper?

There are different factors that come into play when it comes to deciding which heat pump is cheaper, including:

  • House size
  • The type of house (new build or older house) as pipework installation can pose challenges
  • The amount of preparation work that needs to be done
  • Whether the installer recommends upgrading radiators for improved efficiency

Air source heat pumps are typically cheaper than ground source heat pumps as you only have to pay for the unit. However, air source heat pumps tend to have a lower efficiency due to the fluctuations in outside temperatures. This could actually cause air source heat pumps to be more expensive in the long run as more electricity is needed to heat the cooler air. The average cost of an air source heat pump in Sussex and the South East is approximately £14,000, however, this can be higher or lower depending on certain factors.

Ground source heat pumps usually have a more expensive upfront cost as there are additional costs for the external garden work where trenches or boreholes will need to be dug, however, ground source heat pumps are a more efficient option making them better value for money. The average cost of a ground source heat pump in Sussex is around £28,000, however, this can be dependent on certain factors.

Which Heat Pump is More Efficient?

The efficiency of your heat pump depends on the source temperature – the colder the source temperature, the harder the heat pump has to work to heat it up.

In general, ground source heat pumps tend to be more efficient than air source heat pumps due to the stable temperature in the ground. As the air temperature can fluctuate through the seasons, it can cost more in electricity in the long run. Whereas the ground maintains a temperature of 10-12°C all year round. That means even on the coldest days, the ground can still be up to 15° warmer than the cold air.

Because ground source heat pumps are consistent, you don’t need to worry about spikes in electricity use when it’s colder outside.

Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps offer numerous benefits, making them a popular choice for heating and cooling residential homes.

  • Energy efficient. Air source heat pumps efficiently transfer heat from the outdoor air to homes and lower heating bills compared to traditional heating.
  • Ease of installation. The installation of air source heat pumps is generally simpler and less disruptive than ground source heat pumps as they don’t require additional ground works like trenches or boreholes.
  • Cost-effective. Air source heat pumps usually have a lower upfront installation cost compared to ground source heat pumps. Their efficiency can also lead to long-term savings on heating.
  • Low environmental impact. Air source heat pumps use renewable energy and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based heating systems.
  • Minimal maintenance. Air source heat pumps generally require less maintenance compared to traditional heating systems. Simply cleaning filters and ensuring proper airflow can maintain its optimal performance.

Overall, air source heat pumps offer a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for heating and cooling your home.

Benefits of Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps offer a range of benefits compared to traditional heating for your home. These include:

  • High efficiency. Ground source heat pumps are highly efficient as a consistent heat source.
  • Stable performance. Unlike air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps are not affected by extreme weather conditions. The ground temperature remains relatively constant all year round ensuring reliable and efficient heating regardless of the outside temperature.
  • Environmentally friendly. Ground source heat pumps use renewable energy from the ground which reduces greenhouse gas emissions significantly compared to traditional heating.
  • Longevity. Ground source heat pumps are known for their long lifespan. The underground components can last up to 50 years and the indoor pump unit can last around 20 years.
  • Low operating costs. Due to their high efficiency, ground source heat pumps can massively reduce energy bills. Even though the initial installation is a higher cost, the low operational costs lead to large savings over time.
  • Minimal maintenance. Ground source heat pumps generally require less maintenance compared to traditional heating systems. By arranging routine checks you can address any issues become they become bigger problems.
  • Versatile heating. These systems can be used all year round for both heating and cooling ensuring you’re comfortable no matter the time of year.

Ground source heat pumps provide a highly efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly solution for heating and cooling, making them a great long-term energy-saving investment.

Are Ground Source Heat Pumps Better Than Air Source Heat Pumps?

Ground source and air source heat pumps work similarly as both can help you cut energy costs and heat your home efficiently whilst reducing your carbon footprint.

Whether ground source heat pumps are better than air source heat pumps depends on various factors like the cost, whether or not you have a garden, installation complexity, and more. Generally, ground source heat pumps are a more efficient way to heat your home. However. if you’re limited by budget or space, air source heat pumps are a great option.

Thinking of switching to heat pumps in Sussex?

Hartswood Heating provide expert installation of air source and ground source heat pumps across Sussex, Surrey, and the rest of the South East of England. As a leading provider of heat pumps, we have extensive knowledge of heat pump technology meaning we can deliver the most cost-effective and efficient solution for your home. Get in touch with us now to see how we can help you save money on your heating whilst reducing your carbon footprint.

FAQs

How do I decide if a heat pump is right for me?

Whether switching to heat pumps is right for you depends on certain factors like your budget, property layout, and long-term energy goals. Ground source heat pumps are ideal for newer properties with a lot of land whilst air source heat pumps are versatile and easier to install making them ideal for a bigger range of homes. If you’re in two minds about heat pumps for your property, get in touch with us and we can help you with any questions you may have.

Are there financial incentives for installing heat pumps?

Yes, in England, there are government grants to support the installation of air source heat pumps meaning the costs are even smaller. This is due to the UK’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050.

Do ground source and air source heat pumps require regular maintenance?

Just like any other heating or cooling system, it’s important you arrange for regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Routine checks, filter cleaning, and professional servicing are essential for keeping the system up and running efficiently.

Do air source heat pumps work in colder weather?

Yes, air source heat pumps do work well in cold weather as they can absorb heat from the air even when temperatures drop as low as -15 °C.

What’s the difference between a ground loop and a ground source heat pump borehole?

A ground loop is a network of buried pipes used by a ground source heat pump to extract heat which can be installed horizontally in shallow trenches if there’s enough land, or vertically by drilling deep boreholes. The key difference is the orientation and depth of the pipe installation.