Air source heat pumps vs Ground source heat pumps: Detailed Analysis

Having a heat pump at home prevents your house from getting too hot or too cold. It maintains the flow of heat to help you live in a comfortable environment. Multiple choices are available to get a heating system for your home, like an air source heat pump, a ground source heat pump, an oil-based heat pump, and a gas-based heat pump. 

Among these, air-source and ground-source heat pumps are the two working on electricity and proving themselves a more convenient option. However, which one would be better for you? In the article below, we will compare both of these heat pumps to help you choose the best heat pump for your home. Parameters like cost, space requirements, working lifespan, and grant availability will be discussed thoroughly to make the picture clear for you.

Differences in functioning between air source and ground source heat pumps

Both of these heat pumps perform exactly similar functions. They take in heat from the surroundings and use it to heat water and your home’s heating system. The difference appears in where they get heat from. Look below to understand this slight difference between the two of them:

How does a ground source heat pump work?

GSHPs, or ground source heat pumps, are beneath-the-earth devices that use a network of pipes to extract heat from the earth. A considerable amount of heat energy can be extracted underground due to the relatively stable and controlled temperature.

 The heating system in your house then uses this thermal energy to warm the interior of your house.

Working of an air source heat pump:

An air source heat pump (ASHP) delivers energy even in cold climates by absorbing the heat from the surrounding air. The house is heated by its smart collection of heat and the transfer of that heat to the interior heat exchanger. 

 The heat energy raises the house’s temperature by a series of processes, including evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion.

Which is more efficient: Air source heat pumps vs Ground source heat pumps?

Both of them are more efficient than all fuel-based heat pumps because they don’t allow combustion. The air source heat pump is 300 to 500 percent efficient, as it takes heat from the outer environment and keeps your home warm for the whole year. 

The ground source heat pumps also shine as the most efficient heat pumps because they are not affected by atmospheric conditions. 

This makes it relatively more efficient than an air source heat pump, especially during intense cold. The air source heat pump can perform efficiently under -15, but when it goes down, its efficiency curve also bends downward. 

Cost analysis of Air source heat pumps vs Ground source heat pumps

The air source heat pumps are efficient and can cost less initially, but they can require maintenance costs every year. On the other hand, the ground source heat pumps can be expensive due to the groundwork: digging and installing pipes.

 But once they get installed, they prove themselves as a lifetime investment. They need less care and maintenance as compared to other heat pumps.

Government Grants for Heat Pumps

The UK government has introduced the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to help households get relief on heat pumps. The good news is that both of these heat pumps are eligible for the scheme. The grant amount for both heat pumps is almost £7,500, which is more than half of the total heat pump cost.

 You can qualify for this grant if you have a valid EPC, own a house, and have an annual income of less than £31,000.

Unfortunately, the new builds can’t apply for this grant. If you want any help or information regarding these grants, here’s what you can do:

Pick up your phone and give our customer care a call; Fixsavvy can assist you in quickly applying and qualifying for these grants.

Air source heat pump vs ground source heat pump

Installation and planning permission

While installing an air source heat pump, you need less labour and time. Also, there’s no need to take permission from the government to install an air source heat pump at your place.

Ground source heat pumps require more complex systems and installations. Only expert people can efficiently install the ground source heat pump. You might need the planning permission for the ground source heat pump installation.

Space and location:

ASHPs are ideal for homes with limited outdoor space. They only need a small space near your outer wall to catch the external heat.

The ground source heat pumps (GSHP) can be suitable for those having a large ground area or a garden in their house.

Lifespan:

Furthermore, both of these heat pumps provide lasting benefits if maintained properly. They can last 10-15 years on average, while ground source heat pumps can remain efficient after 25 years.

Finally, If you want an alternative to S6energy, no worries; Fixsavvy is also the best one on the market.

Air source heat pumps vs Ground source heat pumps

Which heat pump is best for you?

Finally, now it’s easy to make a decision, and it depends on the size of your home, your financial situation, and your home’s requirements. You can take our assistance in this important decision. We can assist you by providing you with expert property assessors. They will thoroughly judge each parameter and let you know which heat pump should be installed in your house.

FAQs: Air source heat pumps vs Ground source heat pumps

In the UK, who can apply for a heat pump grant?

You can be eligible for any of these heat pumps if you:

• Have your own house.
• Have under 31,000 pounds of annual income.
• And having an EPC valid for 10 years.

Which houses can install a ground source heat pump?

Normally, houses with a bigger ground area can easily get ground source heat pumps.

What is the most efficient heat pump in the UK?

Ideal Logic Air is considered to be the most efficient heat pump in the market right now.

Which brand of heat pump is best?

You can try these for the first time:

• 1. Daikin
• 2. Mitsubishi Electric 
• 3. Bosch
• 4. Carrier
• 5. Trane
• 6. Lennox
• 7. Goodman

Read more: Difference between freehold and leasehold property