Marianne Suhr: Ground source heat pumps

Anyone who keeps their ear to the ground for energy-saving ideas will be more than aware of ground source heat pumps. These rely on the fact that one metre below ground, the earth remains at a temperature of between 7-13ºC. This heat is extracted by burying a long pipe filled with water and glycol; the heat is then extracted using a heat pump and used to run underfloor heating systems or low temperature radiators. For every unit of electricity used to pump the heat, 3-4 units of heat are produced, making them economical.

I had thought these were only suitable for people with enormous gardens or living next to a large field. But local conservation specialist, Alan Tierney, and his wife, Sue, invited me to visit their home where he had installed a ground source heat pump system into a garden just 12mx15m. What’s more, he dramatically reduced the cost of installation by hiring a digger and excavating the garden himself (checking drainage plans first). For details on heat pump systems contact Ardenham Energy (01296 331362; ardenhamenergy.co.uk).

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WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE SUHR
Featured in the June 2010 issue of Period Living