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Ground source heating
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What are ground source heat
pumps?
Ground source heat pumps collect energy stored in
the earth or in the air and use it to heat water in a
cylinder for distribution to taps, appliances and radiators.
They can also cool the house in
summer.
This is the most advanced technology available for
home heating, hot water and cooling. Because the earth itself
‘stores’ energy it is an extremely reliable and constant
energy source, it creates no harmful emissions and uses a
very small amount of electricity to drive the pumps
themselves.
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How do they work?
A heat pump works in the same way as a refrigerator, but in
reverse.
The collection system consists of either a single deep borehole in
the garden or, where space permits, a looped array of pipes buried about 1.2
metres below the surface can be used. The ground source heat pump then
extracts heat stored in the earth. This low temperature energy passes through
a CFC-free refrigerant cycle which converts it into higher temperatures to
heat the home.
In summer, with an underfloor heating system connected to the heat
pump this cycle is reversed, cooling the room to a comfortable temperature.
If you're considering having a ground source heat pump installed you may be
eligible for a grant through the Low Carbon Buildings
Programme.
The benefits of ground source heat
pumps
• Reduce your CO2 emissions: a typical ground
source heat pump saves around 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year when
replacing oil.
• Eliminate your fuel bills: ground source
heat pumps run on electricity, so there's no need to pay for gas, oil or
solid fuels to heat your home.
• Cut down on wasted electricity: heating your
home with a ground source heat pump is much more efficient than using
electric radiators..
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