Which is Better – Ground Source or Air Source Heat Pumps?

The rising costs of heating and hot water have left a lot of people searching for cheaper alternatives. Installing a heat pump has been gaining traction amongst homeowners concerned about their carbon footprint.

So, which is better? Ground source or air source heat pumps? Read on to find out the difference and which one will suit your household.

What are ground source heat pumps?

This type of heating does pretty much what it says on the tin. Heat is absorbed from the ground and pumped through a horizontal or vertical pipe to heat water and your radiators. It’s a low-carbon, energy-efficient method and is very effective in heating your home as well as your water.

How do they work?

A mixture of water and antifreeze combine to make thermal transfer fluid (TTF). This flows through a long or coiled pipe that is buried in your garden or area outside your property. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid which then flows through a heat exchanger into the pump. The process heats the fluid and transfers it into hot water.

How are air source heat pumps different?

Air source heat pumps work in much the same way as ground source units do. Also a low-carbon method, the system takes warmth from the air, compresses it into a fluid and converts it to heat.  This is used for radiators, underfloor heating, hot taps, showers and baths.

Air source heat pumps are the most common type of domestic heat pump, being suitable for most homes and needing less space. The fundamental difference with air source heat pumps is simple – where the heat comes from.

Air source vs ground source heat pumps

When choosing between air source and ground source heat pumps, it really depends on which will be best for your home. They both do the same job in moving heat from outside to inside and both require only a little electricity to work, reducing your carbon footprint. Both heating methods also offer the possibility of grant help up to £5,000 with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

One of the deciding factors for many customers is that air source heat pumps are easier and cheaper to install. This is because unlike installing a ground source heat pump, there’s no need to prepare any groundwork to place pipes.

Ground source heat pumps are more expensive to install because they need extensive groundwork. It is also a longer and more complicated job as you will need space inside and out for pipework and the unit itself.

In comparison, air source heat pumps don’t need much space for installation and are lower maintenance.

Professional air source heat pump installation

For all your air source heat pump needs, COA Services are the go-to experts throughout Leeds and Harrogate. Our professional and knowledgeable team is on hand to supply and install an air source heat pump for your property.

If you’d like to learn more or to get a quote, contact COA Services on 01423 408336 or complete our contact form online and we will get back to you shortly.