How Ground Source Heat Pumps Work
Ground source heat pumps take heat from the ground and use it to warm homes and buildings. They do this without burning fuel, which makes them a clean and reliable way to heat spaces and water.
Even in winter, the ground a few metres below the surface stays at a steady temperature. Because of this, ground source heat pumps can provide heat all year round.
In simple terms:
first the system collects heat from the ground, then it boosts that heat, and finally it delivers warmth indoors.
What Is a Ground Source Heat Pump?
A ground source heat pump is a heating system that moves heat from the earth into a building. Like an air source heat pump, it works a bit like a fridge in reverse:
- A fridge takes heat from inside and releases it outside.
- A ground source heat pump takes heat from the ground and releases it inside.
Most systems include:
- Pipes buried in the ground (called ground loops)
- A special fluid that flows through these pipes
- A compressor that raises the temperature
- An indoor unit that sends heat to radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water
- A control system to manage temperature and timing
Together, these parts move heat from the earth into your home.
How Heat Is Collected and Used
1. Heat Is Taken from the Ground
First, fluid flows through long pipes buried in the soil or rock. The ground gently warms the fluid as it passes through.
2. The Heat Is Boosted
Next, the system moves this warmed fluid to a compressor. The compressor squeezes it, which raises its temperature.
3. Heat Moves Indoors
Then, the hot fluid flows into the indoor unit. Here, it transfers its heat into the home’s heating system.
4. Rooms and Water Warm Up
After that, the heat travels through radiators, underfloor pipes, or a hot water tank, warming rooms and providing hot water.
5. The Cycle Repeats
Finally, once the fluid cools, it flows back into the ground to collect more heat. The process then repeats again and again.
Main Parts
Ground Loops
First, these buried pipes collect heat from the earth.
Compressor
Next, the compressor raises the temperature of the collected heat.
Pipes and Fluid
Then, these carry heat around the system.
Indoor Unit
After that, this unit sends heat into radiators, floors, or water tanks.
Control System
At the same time, controls manage when and how the system runs.
From Ground to Home
Heat moves from the soil into the pipes, then into the heat pump, and finally into the building. Although the system uses electricity, it produces much more heat than the power it consumes. Often, one unit of electricity can deliver three to four units of heat.
Because the ground stays warm and steady, these systems work very efficiently throughout the year.
Why Ground Source Heat Pumps Matter
Ground source heat pumps provide heating without:
- Burning gas or oil
- Releasing carbon dioxide at the home
- Creating smoke or fumes
In addition, they offer steady performance in all seasons and pair well with renewable electricity. As a result, they help cut carbon emissions and reduce energy costs over time.
In Short
Ground source heat pumps:
- First, collect heat from the ground.
- Next, boost that heat using a compressor.
- Then, move the heat indoors.
- Finally, warm rooms and water.
In the end, this simple cycle delivers clean, efficient heating powered by the earth beneath our feet.