Glossary
What is a Ground Source Heat Pump?
A heat pump that extracts heat from the ground via buried pipes
A ground source heat pump (GSHP) uses a network of pipes buried in your garden to extract stable thermal energy from the earth. Because ground temperature stays around 10-12°C year-round, GSHPs deliver higher SCOPs of 3.5-4.5.
Where it wins
- Higher efficiency (SCOP 3.5-4.5) than air source
- Stable ground temperature gives consistent performance
- No visible outdoor unit — quieter operation
- Long lifespan of 20-25+ years
Where it struggles
- Higher installation cost than an air source heat pump (the ground loop or borehole adds to it)
- Requires significant garden space or borehole drilling
- Installation is disruptive to landscaping
- Longer payback period than air source
How it works
01
Horizontal pipes buried 1-2 metres deep in garden OR vertical borehole drilled 50-150m
02
Fluid in pipes absorbs ground heat
03
Heat pump compressor raises temperature to 35-55°C
04
Warm water distributed through underfloor heating or radiators
Ground Source Heat Pump: common questions
What is a Ground Source Heat Pump?
A heat pump that extracts heat from the ground via buried pipes
How does a Ground Source Heat Pump work?
A ground source heat pump (GSHP) uses a network of pipes buried in your garden to extract stable thermal energy from the earth. Because ground temperature stays around 10-12°C year-round, GSHPs deliver higher SCOPs of 3.5-4.5.
See what heat pumps cost in your town
Prices for 160 towns, with the grant position for your nation.