Cost of Ground Source Heat Pumps: Estimated Expenses You Might Encounter

Ground source heat pumps (Bodenquellenwärmepumpen) are an increasingly popular choice for home heating and hot water needs. Here's a breakdown of the costs, benefits, and considerations associated with installing this eco-friendly heating solution.

Costs

The cost of installing a ground source heat pump can vary significantly, depending on factors such as the type of pump, soil conditions, and installation specifics. In the UK, a ground source heat pump typically costs from £16,000, with underfloor heating costs starting from around £120 per m² for a new build or £135 per m² for a house renovation.

The heat pump unit accounts for 40% to 60% of the total cost, with groundworks and installation covering the rest. The cost for digging can range from £25 to £65 per metre, but outsourcing this work can save you money. For horizontal trench digging, costs can add up significantly, potentially reaching several thousand pounds.

In Germany, the installation cost of a ground source heat pump typically ranges from about 15,000 to 50,000 euros, with drilling for the ground probe alone costing 45 to 75 euros per meter.

Groundworks

Installing a ground source heat pump involves fitting a heat pump unit inside a home and groundworks outside. There are two different methods of laying the pipes: horizontal ground array and borehole/vertical system. A vertical system is more costly due to the drilling required for boreholes. The depth of boreholes for a 12kW system can be approximately 300 meters, but does not have to be dug as one continuous borehole.

The ground temperatures remain fairly steady throughout the year, making ground source heat pumps less expensive to run compared to air source heat pumps. However, the groundworks primarily make the final cost rise in comparison to other methods of heating due to their size and complexity.

Additional Costs

Ground source heat pumps operate at lower temperatures than gas or oil boilers, which may lead to additional costs due to the need for upgrades such as insulation, radiators, or pipework modifications. If living near a large expanse of water, a water source heat pump could be considered instead, offering similar energy savings and causing less disruption to install.

Maintenance and Savings

Ground source heat pumps require minimal maintenance, with an annual service being the main recommendation. Advances in technology, which include heat storage batteries, allow for saving any heat generated during off-peak times for use during peak hours of the day. Ground source heat pumps with smart controls can create a heating schedule based on predicted electricity tariffs, taking advantage of the lowest cost, lowest carbon electricity without manual operation.

Grants and Incentives

There are ground source heat pump grants available, with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offering up to £7,500 towards installation. Living near a large expanse of water could also open up the possibility of using a water source heat pump, potentially reducing costs and offering similar energy savings.

In conclusion, ground source heat pumps are an efficient and cost-effective heating solution for homes, offering long-term savings and a reduced carbon footprint. However, careful consideration should be given to the groundworks, additional costs, and available grants to ensure a successful and affordable installation.