A ground source heat pump (GSHP) offers an efficient way to heat your home. It stands out because it needs minimal upkeep compared to other heating options. When installed, a GSHP can operate for up to 30 years making it a smart long-term choice for both comfort and cost savings.
Even so, regular inspections matter. While the system proves reliable, monitoring crucial parts ensures optimal performance—before winter sets in. Experts suggest professional GSHP maintenance once a year, but simple checks at home can also help.
How to Use Your Ground Source Heat Pump Properly
GSHPs differ from conventional heating systems that give bursts of intense heat, GSHPs will function at their finest if they are given gentle, consistent heat for long periods.
Maintain the Temperature Constant
Your GSHP is programmed to maintain your house at a steady, comfortable temperature—ideally 18 to 20°C. Letting your house get too hot or too cold will reduce efficiency and make your energy bills more expensive.
- Avoid drastic changes in temperature: Falls or rises in temperature will cause condensation and mould.
- Run the system 24/7: Especially during cold temperatures, it is best to have your heat pump running continuously instead of switching it on and off.
Make the Most of Your Home’s Layout
Some simple adjustments in the home will make your GSHP circulate heat more efficiently.
- Keep doors closed: Close kitchen and bathroom doors during cooking or bathing to conserve heat and avoid temperature rises.
- Don’t obstruct radiators or vents: Move bulky furniture away from radiators or underfloor heating to allow the heat to circulate freely.
Save on Energy Bills
By understanding how your GSHP works, you can make easy adjustments that equate to big savings.
- Know your system settings: Learn the controls so your house heats up well without energy wastage.
Air Source vs Ground Source Heat Pump – What’s the Difference?
Here is the difference between air source vs ground source heat pump:
| Feature | Air Source Heat Pump | Ground Source Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Draw heat from outside air to heat your home. | Takes heat from the earth through pipes buried underground to heat your home. |
| Installation | Easier, quicker, and cheaper to install. Needs an outside unit. | More complex and pricey. Requires digging to lay pipes. |
| Space Needed | Minimum space needed—suitable for homes with no large gardens. | Requires plenty of outdoor space for buried piping. |
| Efficiency | Less efficient in very cold climates but still feasible. | Very efficient due to stable ground temperatures year-round. |
| Upfront Cost | Less costly upfront, more affordable for the majority. | More costly upfront due to the intricacy of installation. |
| Running Costs | Marginally more, particularly in colder weather. | Reduced running costs with improved long-term energy conservation. |
| Maintenance | Simple and less expensive. Components are more accessible. | Requires regular maintenance of ground source heat pump for underground parts. |
| Lifespan | Around 15-20 years. | Can be 20-25 years or more with appropriate maintenance. |
Critical Checks for Ground Source Heat Pump Servicing
You can perform these basic checks to ensure your system is in good condition:
1. Check System Pressure
- The ground loop pressure should be 1 to 1.5 bar.
- The heating system pressure should be around 2 bar.
- If the pressure gets too low, your system may not work properly.
2. Inspect Thermostats and Controls
- Verify that room thermostats, programmers, and pump valves are all working properly.
- If your system has components that run on batteries, check the batteries.
3. Clean Filters and Heat Exchangers
- Most GSHPs possess filters that should be cleaned regularly.
- If your system has a MagnaClean filter, ensure that it is serviced and cleaned.
- Open-loop heat exchangers can form condensation, which can lead to damage over time. If you notice corrosion, treat it with a treatment to prevent further breakdown.
4. Maintain Pond Mats and Ground Collectors
- If your system has pond mats, clean them regularly to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris.
- This prevents blockage and enables efficient heat transfer from water.
- Inspect ground array manifolds for condensation damage and ensure insulation is in place.
5. Inspect the Manifold & Insulation
- Your ground array manifold and insulation should not be damaged.
- Like heat exchangers, they can be damaged by condensation of low-temperature fluids. Regular checks will prevent problems.
6. Check Antifreeze Levels
- Antifreeze level is crucial in safeguarding your system during cold temperatures.
- Check the inhibitor levels in order to avert corrosion within the pipes.
Performing these regular GSHP system servicing checks can help avert breakdowns and make your system run efficiently throughout the year.
Ground Source Heat Pump Not Working? What to Do
If your ground source heat pump is not working, don’t worry! Here are some easy troubleshooting procedures you can perform before calling an expert.
1. Check the Power Supply
- Is the unit turned on?
- Are circuit breakers or fuses intact?
2. Check the Thermostat
- Ensure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature.
- If battery-powered, see if the battery should be replaced.
3. Look at the Pressure Levels
- If the pressure is too low, the system might not work effectively.
- Refill the pressure if required, but if it continues to drop, then there may be a leak.
4. Listen for Unusual Noises
- Rattling or banging sounds can indicate trapped air or a faulty pump.
- If you do hear unusual sounds, it’s a good idea to have someone professional take a look.
5. Check for Error Codes
- Most GSHP systems display error codes if something isn’t correct.
- Check your manual to discover what the code is indicating and whether it’s an issue that you can fix yourself.
6. Inspect the Underground or Outdoor Components
- If you have a pond mat, check it for blockages.
- Inspect for frozen or damaged heat exchangers and manifolds.
If your heat pump still doesn’t work after these inspections, it’s time to have a professional come in for a complete ground source heat pump servicing.
Tips for Ground Source Heat Pump Maintenance
Here are the simple tips to follow:
1. Maintenance of the Ground Loop Fluid
Your GSHP system utilizes a blend of water and antifreeze solution to extract heat from the ground and transfer it to the home. Even though it is a closed system, it is still critical to monitor the fluid levels occasionally.
If the mixture gets colder than the desired temperature, your system will struggle to work in the cold weather. If you’re unsure, call a professional.
2. Monitoring the Pressure
A central component of any heat pump is to keep consistent pressure. If the pressure drops, it might be an indication of potential problems like a leak in the system. Do not go to bed thinking the issue doesn’t matter.
If you’re seeing any weird movement in the pressure value, then calling an expert should be the first step.
3. Flush the System Regularly
Over time, wastes can accumulate within the coils that can make an impact on the performance of your heat pump. It’s a good idea to have your system professionally flushed every 3-5 years to keep everything flowing smoothly.
4. Clean Air Vents and Radiators
Regular cleaning is required because vents and radiators may get very dirty, which increases the workload of the system beyond necessity.
If you want to keep your house comfortable, do some regular cleaning every couple of months to maintain strong airflow.
5. Schedule an Annual Service
Pro-level service annually is essential as it allows you to find issues before they cause real trouble.
The expert does the inspection of the heat exchanger, mechanical fluids, electrical parts, and other possible components, ensuring however that everything is in check.
It helps a lot with avoiding larger challenges down the road, so do not miss this simple step.
How to Do Ground Source Heat Pump Servicing – Easy Tips
Maintenance of a ground source heat pump is not difficult. Follow these easy steps so that it stays in good condition.
1. Replace Your Air Filter
Your heat pump is pulling air from your home, and the air filter catches dirt, dust, and allergens. Once the filter gets clogged, your system has to work harder, and that will make your energy bills go up.
- Replace the filter at least every 3 months and check it monthly.
- If you have pets or a dusty home, you might need to replace it more often.
2. Primary Cleaning of the Heat Pump
Debris and dust can settle inside your heat pump, especially on the coils and blower. Here’s how to clean it:
- Vacuum any dust inside the cabinet, especially in the area of the blower section.
- Clean the dirt from the air coil with a coil cleaner.
- Drain the condensate drain pan, the same way you would with an air conditioner.
- Ensure that all components are dust-free to avoid overheating or ineffectiveness.
3. Check Heat Pump Performance
It’s a good idea to get a professional to visit to see how well your heat pump is operating once every year. They’ll check on:
- The amount of energy your system extracts from the ground loop.
- Whether the system is functioning correctly or losing power.
- If all is well, you’ll continue to enjoy those reduced energy bills!
4. Monitor Air Temperatures
You can say a lot about your system’s performance by reading the air temperatures:
- In heating mode, the air being expelled should be roughly 20-30°F warmer than the air being taken in.
- It should be 15-25°F colder in the cooling mode compared to the return air.
- If the temperature difference doesn’t feel right, your system may require professional adjustment.
5. Check the Loop Fluid Temperature
If your air temps seem unusual, the next step is to check the loop fluid:
- A technician can insert a gauge into the heat pump’s inspection ports to read the fluid temperature.
- During the heating mode, a 4-8°F decrease in temperature should occur from the fluid entering the system to the fluid returning to the ground.
- You will feel a 9-12°F difference in cooling mode.
6. Check Flow Rates
The proper flow rates are the secret to a properly working system. Should the temperature differential not be correct, a technician will examine the speed at which the fluid moves through the loops. Low flow rates can prevent your system from conducting heat efficiently.
7. Measure Energy Use
Finally, the technician will measure the amount of power that your heat pump is consuming. This is then used to work out the Coefficient of Performance (COP), which tells you how efficient your system is.
A decent COP for existing systems is between 3.5 and 5.0—that means for each unit of electricity consumed, you receive 3.5 to 5 times that in cooling or heating!
How Much Does Ground Source Heat Pump Servicing Cost?
Ground source heat pump servicing usually costs between £200 and £350. This involves inspection of the compressor, water pump, antifreeze mixture, control system, and above-ground pipes.
The prices can differ depending on your location, the hourly rate of the engineer, and the service complexity. Servicing regularly keeps the system efficient and avoids expensive repairs.
How to Find Ground Source Heat Pump Servicing Near Me?
Finding a reliable GSHP servicing specialist in your locality is not as challenging as you think. Here is how you can initiate:
- Search Online: Search engines are a great resource. Type “ground source heat pump servicing near me.” You will discover local businesses or freelance engineers in your area.
- Check Reviews: Check for companies with positive reviews and ratings. This can provide you with a clearer picture of their quality of service.
- Ask for Referrals: Friends, neighbours, or relatives who have a GSHP system may be aware of good technicians.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Certain heat pump manufacturers have a list of authorized service providers.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first one. Compare prices and services provided by different providers to get the best deal.
Ground Source Heat Pump Grants UK
In the UK, there are ground source heat pump grants to assist homeowners with the cost of installing these environmentally friendly systems.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is one such incentive program that offers grants of up to £7500 to encourage homeowners to switch from conventional heating to greener alternatives.
With these grants, the step towards adopting renewable sources of heating is made simpler, decreasing your energy expenditures and carbon emissions.
Your eligibility largely depends on criteria such as the kind of property you own and the type of heating system you currently have. So it would be smart to check your eligibility before proceeding with the installation.
The Bottom Line
Ground source heat pumps operate with high energy efficiency and are low maintenance. However, to operate at their peak performance, these systems do require annual servicing.
Yearly servicing starts at around £200 and can go up to £350, depending on what range of services are offered.
During this yearly servicing, everything from fluid levels to compressor, and other working parts will be checked.
While some tasks such as cleaning air filters and monitoring pressure levels can easily be done at home, you should call a professional for an inspection so that your system will remain in good shape for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fitting of a ground source heat pump is not straightforward. It involves digging trenches or boreholes and fitting the indoor unit. This is not a DIY job—a professional must carry out the installation.
Routine maintenance includes refrigerant leak checking, examining, and tightening electrical connections. It may also include lubricating motors and inspecting belts for wear.
You may replace or clean filters, clear debris for proper airflow, and clean coils, fans, and indoor registers to service your ground source heat pump. Turn off the unit during the cleaning of the fan blades.
Your ground source heat pump requires servicing once every year. Although the ground loops are buried underground, the indoor unit has important components that should be checked regularly to guarantee efficient operation.
