How do Ground Source Heat Pumps Work?
A ground-source heat pump system harnesses natural heat from underground by pumping liquid through it in pipes. The heat pump then increases the temperature and the heat is used to provide heating or hot water.
It performs the same role as a furnace or boiler in a central heating system but uses ambient heat from the ground rather than burning fuel to generate heat.
Ground-source heat pump systems are made up of a ground loop (a network of water pipes buried underground; the larger your home and heating needs, the larger the loop) and a heat pump at ground level.
A mixture of water and anti-freeze is pumped around the ground loop and absorbs the naturally occurring heat stored in the ground. The water mixture is compressed and goes through a heat exchanger, which extracts the heat and transfers it to the heat pump. The heat is then transferred to your home heating system.
This heat can then be used in radiators, for hot water or in an underfloor heating system.
You can find out more on the Energy Explained webpage on the National Grid Website
