Ground source heat pumps for older properties

Contrary to the myth that heat pumps are not suitable for older properties, there are actually many great benefits to installing one when the installation is handled correctly. The running costs are a great example, as they run so efficiently and can gently heat your property without consuming much electricity at all.

What is a ground source heat pump?

A heat pump is a system that extracts heat from its surroundings and converts it into energy to heat a property. They can be used in place of traditional gas or oil boilers to power your heating system. A ground source heat pump is a heat pump system that is installed underground, consisting of a network of pipes (called ground loops) that collect heat from the ground. They can be installed in gardens, farmland or anywhere else as long as you have legal rights to do so.

You can read more about how they work in our article, How do ground source heat pumps work?

Benefits of a ground source heat pump for an old property

Running costs

With efficiencies of up to 400%, a ground source heat pump can produce over 4 times the amount of heat power it consumes in electricity. Compared to a traditional oil or gas boiler, which are around 80 – 85% efficient (producing 0.85 the heat from 1 unit of electricity). This means that while it does use some electricity to run, you’ll need to use a lot less to keep your home heat the same as with a gas central heating system.

Maintenance

Ground source heat pumps don’t require much maintenance and are generally considered very reliable. They last for 15 – 20 years on average, which is much longer than an oil or gas boiler, and will remain efficient throughout.

After your heat pump installation is complete, maintenance is typically only required on an annual service basis.  

Looks

Most of the system is installed underground, which is a great benefit if you’re looking for something that doesn’t impact the view of your home. Initially, there will be some upheaval from installation as ground does need to be dug in to, but afterwards the area will look as if nothing is there. Inside your home, a hot water tank (which you likely already have space for in an older property as they used to be common) will need to be used for hot water, but it can be tucked away. Particularly when paired with underfloor heating, meaning no radiators at all, the aesthetic benefits of the system are maximised.

Helps with damp

Heat pumps work by maintaining a stable temperature in your home with a steady flow of warm water. Compared to gas boilers, that heat by pushing through hot water less often, this way of heating can be beneficial for older properties that suffer from dampness. A constant warm temperature ensures the property never gets cold in between heating times, which is when damp begins to set in.

The main and obvious benefit to installing a ground source heat pump to your older property is the cost savings. You can work out your potential savings by following the guide here or you can contact our team to find out more.