SHOULD I INSTALL AN AIR SOURCE OR GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP?
Our renewables and sustainable energy expert explains the key differences between these two types of heat pump to help you choose the right one for your project
DAVID HILTON
Is an expert in energy efficiency and director of Heat & Energy Ltd.
If you’re looking at heat pumps in the UK, you’ll likely be considering whether an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump will be best suited to your home. Air source heat pumps will eventually become standard in new-build homes, although both types of heat pump are already a mainstream consideration for self-builders or renovators looking to replace existing gas, oil or LPG heating systems.
At the heart of any type of heat pump is the vapour compression cycle (refrigeration), that uses a refrigerant liquid to absorb heat from the environment and transfer it as useful heat to the home. But how does each type of heat pump differ and when might one be more suitable than the other?
Here, I explain the key differences in order that you can make an informed decision when specifying a heat pump for your home property.