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Geothermal Heating

Ground Source Heat Pumps for
Long-Term Efficiency

A stable, highly efficient heating solution for suitable sites. Harness the
earth’s consistent temperature for reliable, low-carbon heating.

Check Ground Source Suitability

How Ground Source Heat Pumps Work

Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground using a network of buried pipes called ground loops. These loops circulate a mixture of water and antifreeze, absorbing the stable heat stored in the earth.

Just a few metres below the surface, ground temperatures remain relatively constant at around 10-12°C throughout the year—regardless of air temperature. This provides a reliable, consistent heat source.

The heat pump then concentrates this low-grade heat to temperatures suitable for heating your home and providing hot water, delivering 4-5 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.

Ground Loop Options
Horizontal Loops

Buried in trenches 1-2 metres deep. Requires more land area but lower installation cost. Ideal for properties with large gardens.

Vertical Boreholes

Drilled 75-200 metres deep. Requires less surface area but higher installation cost. Suitable for limited land availability.

Key Benefits

Why Choose Ground Source?

Ground source heat pumps offer the highest efficiency of any heat pump
technology.

Very High Efficiency

Ground source heat pumps typically achieve efficiency ratings (CoP) of 4-5, meaning for every 1kW of electricity used, 4-5kW of heat is produced.

Consistent Performance

Underground temperatures remain stable year-round at around 10-12°C, ensuring reliable heating regardless of weather conditions.

Long Lifespan

Ground source systems typically last 20-25 years for the heat pump and up to 100 years for the ground loops, offering excellent long-term value.

Lower Running Costs

The high efficiency of ground source systems translates to lower electricity consumption and reduced heating bills over time.

Suitability

Is Your Site Suitable?

Ground source systems require specific site conditions. Our assessment will
determine if this technology is right for you.

Sufficient Land Area

Horizontal ground loops require approximately 2-3 times the floor area of your property. Vertical boreholes need less space but require drilling access.

Suitable Ground Conditions

Soil type affects loop sizing and efficiency. Clay and wet soils conduct heat well; sandy or dry soils may require larger loop systems.

Project Scale

Ground source systems suit larger properties, commercial buildings, and developments where the higher upfront investment delivers greater returns.

Our Process

From Assessment to Installation

We manage the entire process, from initial feasibility to ongoing support.
Site Survey & Feasibility

We assess your land area, ground conditions, property heating requirements, and current systems to determine suitability.

1
System Design

Our engineers calculate heat loads and design the optimal ground loop configuration—horizontal trenches or vertical boreholes.

2
Ground Works & Installation

Professional installation of ground loops and heat pump equipment. Horizontal trenches typically take 2-3 days; boreholes longer.

3
Commissioning & Support

Full system commissioning, performance verification, user training, and ongoing maintenance support throughout the system's lifetime.

4
Combine with Solar PV

Power your ground source system with on-site solar generation for even greater savings.

Explore Solar Options
FAQs

Ground Source Heat Pump Questions

How do ground source heat pumps differ from air source?
Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground via buried loops, while air source extracts heat from the air. Ground source systems are more efficient (CoP 4-5 vs 3-4) because underground temperatures are more stable, but they require land for ground loops and have higher upfront installation costs.
For horizontal loops, you typically need 2-3 times the floor area of your property (e.g., a 150m² home would need 300-450m² of land). Vertical boreholes require much less surface area but need drilling access and typically cost more to install.
Ground source heat pump installations usually fall under permitted development rights for domestic properties. However, drilling boreholes may require notification to the Environment Agency, and some areas have specific requirements. We handle all regulatory considerations as part of your project.
Ground works are the most disruptive phase. Horizontal trenches require excavation to 1-2 metres depth across your garden. Vertical boreholes use drilling rigs. After installation, the ground is reinstated. We work efficiently to minimise disruption and restore your land afterwards.
Ground source systems require minimal maintenance. The ground loops are sealed and maintenance-free. The heat pump unit needs annual servicing to check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and overall performance. This is typically less maintenance than a gas boiler requires.

Ready to Assess Ground Source Feasibility?

Our experts will evaluate your site’s suitability, including land area, ground conditions, and
heating requirements. Get clear, honest advice on whether ground source is right for your
property.

Request Ground Source Feasibility
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Call us

0333 358 3389

Email us

info@s-tec.co.uk

Business hours

Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm

Coverage

Nationwide across the UK

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