Fixington

Ground Source Heat Pump

Trade: Heating Engineer

⭐ Introduction

A ground source heat pump (GSHP) is an eco-friendly heating system that extracts natural heat from the ground to warm your home and provide hot water. It’s a renewable alternative to traditional gas or oil boilers, helping to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills over time.

You might consider a GSHP if you’re building a new home, replacing an old heating system, or want to improve your property’s energy efficiency. They work best in homes with good insulation and some available outdoor space for the ground loop installation.

🔧 What the job involves

Installing a ground source heat pump means fitting a system that transfers heat stored underground into your house. The main components are:

  • Ground loop: a series of pipes buried horizontally or vertically underground, filled with a water-antifreeze mixture that absorbs heat.
  • Heat pump unit: inside your home, this device extracts heat from the fluid in the ground loop, boosts the temperature, and circulates warm water through radiators or underfloor heating.
  • Hot water cylinder: stores the heated water for domestic use.
  • Controls and electrics: manage the system’s operation, often integrating with existing heating controls.

The engineer will typically:

  • Survey your property to determine the best underground loop layout (horizontal for larger gardens, vertical for smaller spaces).
  • Design the system sized correctly for your home’s heating needs.
  • Excavate and install the loop pipes underground.
  • Fit and connect the heat pump and related components inside.
  • Commission and test the system to ensure efficient operation.
  • Explain how to use controls and maintenance.

Because GSHPs use electricity to run the heat pump, it’s important your home’s electrics and heating systems are compatible and up to standard.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified heating engineer experienced with GSHPs to discuss your needs.
  2. Site survey and assessment: Engineer visits your home to assess available land, insulation, heating requirements, and electrics.
  3. Quotation and proposal: You receive a detailed quote including system design, installation, and certification.
  4. Agreement and scheduling: Agree on price and timeline. Confirm any planning permissions or Building Regulations approvals if necessary.
  5. Pre-install preparation: Clear the work areas inside and out. Inform neighbours if excavation affects shared spaces.
  6. Installation day(s): The engineer installs the ground loop, then fits the internal heat pump unit, electrics, and heating connections.
  7. System commissioning: Thorough testing, adjusting flow temperatures, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
  8. User briefing: Engineer explains controls, basic troubleshooting, and maintenance.
  9. Certification provided: You receive documentation such as Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) updates and MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification if applicable.
  10. Aftercare: Arrange servicing and keep paperwork safe for warranty and future resale.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Installing a GSHP is specialist work involving skilled staff, groundworks, and heating engineers.
  • Materials/parts:
    • Ground loop pipes and fittings.
    • Heat pump unit.
    • Hot water cylinder.
    • Controls and thermostats.
  • Groundworks: Excavation and trenching or drilling for vertical loops.
  • Electrical work: Upgrades or new circuits may be needed.
  • Disposal: Removal of old heating system if replacing.
  • Certification: MCS certification and any Building Regulations compliance documentation.

Example rough breakdown for an average 3-bedroom home:

  • Labour: £5,000–7,000
  • Materials/parts: £8,000–12,000
  • Groundworks: £3,000–5,000
  • Electrical upgrades: £1,000–2,000
  • Disposal & certification: £500–1,000

📊 What affects the price

  • Size and insulation of your home: Larger or poorly insulated homes require bigger systems.
  • Type of ground loop: Horizontal loops need more garden space but are cheaper; vertical loops require drilling and are costlier.
  • Accessibility: Difficult terrain or restricted access can increase excavation costs.
  • Existing heating system removal: More complex removals add to labour.
  • Electrical system condition: Upgrades to support the heat pump and controls add cost.
  • Planning permission and Building Regulations: In some cases, approvals or surveys add to expense and time.
  • Supply and demand: Seasonal demand, material shortages, or regional labour costs affect prices.
  • Timeline: Urgent projects may attract premium charges.

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Straight swap in a typical home: 3 to 5 days.
    Includes ground loop excavation and internal heat pump fit.
  • Complex install with vertical loop or additional groundworks: 1 to 2 weeks.
    Drilling and installing deep boreholes takes longer.
  • Additional electrical upgrades: May add 1 to 3 days.
  • Commissioning and testing: Generally completed on final day.

Your engineer will provide an estimated schedule after the survey.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

A ground source heat pump is not suitable for DIY. It involves complex excavation, installing pressurised pipework underground, electrical connections to main circuits, and compliance with Building Regulations and MCS standards.

Incorrect installation can lead to inefficient heating, system damage, and safety hazards. Additionally, some work requires certificated installers under schemes like F-Gas regulations (for refrigerants within the heat pump) and Building Regulations Part P (electrical safety).

Hiring a qualified Heating Engineer with GSHP experience ensures the system is safe, efficient, and eligible for government renewable energy incentives.

💰 Typical UK price range

For most domestic properties, a ground source heat pump installation typically costs between £15,000 and £25,000 plus VAT. This includes the heat pump, ground loop, installation labour, and associated works.

Please note this is an estimate only. The final price will depend on your home's specifics and the factors detailed above.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Prepare your garden: Clear the area planned for the ground loop to aid excavation.
  • Review insulation: A well-insulated home makes your GSHP more efficient and cost-effective.
  • Check with your Local Authority: Confirm if planning permission is needed, particularly for vertical loops or listed buildings.
  • Keep paperwork: Store all certificates, manuals, and warranties carefully for maintenance and potential future home sales.
  • Arrange regular servicing: Heat pumps require professional servicing every 1-2 years to maintain performance.
  • Register the system: Register with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) if you seek Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments or other green grants.
  • Plan for electricity supply: Consider whether your home’s electrical system can support the heat pump or needs upgrading.
  • Ask your installer about aftercare support: Some offer maintenance packages or emergency callouts.

Choosing a ground source heat pump is a significant investment in your home's future comfort and energy usage. Proper planning and professional installation are key to maximising the benefits.