Home energy upgrade
Ground Source Heat Pump
Extracts stable heat stored in the ground via buried pipes — highly efficient, very low running noise, and eligible for the £7,500 BUS grant.
Step by step
How Ground Source Heat Pump installation works
-
A site survey assesses ground conditions and available land area to determine loop type (horizontal, vertical borehole, or slinky).
-
Ground loop trenches or boreholes are excavated; pipes are laid and filled with antifreeze solution.
-
The heat pump unit and thermal store are installed inside — usually in a utility room or garage.
-
The system is pressure-tested, commissioned to MCS standards, and handed over with full documentation.
-
Your installer claims the BUS grant voucher post-installation; you pay only the net amount.
Why it's worth it
Benefits of Ground Source Heat Pump
- Higher efficiency than air source due to stable ground temperatures year-round
- Very quiet operation — no visible outdoor unit
- Eligible for up to £7,500 via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
- Long system lifespan — ground loops typically last 50+ years
- Zero direct carbon emissions during operation
- Can also provide passive cooling in summer via ground loop reversal
What to budget
Typical cost
Typically £15,000–£30,000 installed before grants (ground loop work included)
Costs vary significantly depending on property size, existing systems, and installer. A surveyor's assessment will give you an accurate figure. Available grants (listed below) can substantially reduce the net cost.
Is this right for you?
Ideal for
- Rural properties with sufficient land for horizontal ground loops or a borehole
- New builds where ground loops can be installed during construction
- Homes replacing oil, LPG, or solid fuel heating
- Properties where a silent, discreet system is a priority
Financial support
Grants you may qualify for
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
£7,500 / £5,000Up to £7,500 off an air source or ground source heat pump (£5,000 for biomass). Paid directly to your MCS-certified installer. England & Wales, no income cap.
0% VAT on Energy-Saving Materials
0% VATSolar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and other qualifying energy-saving measures are zero-rated for VAT — saving 20% on supply and installation costs UK-wide.
Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan
ScotlandHomeowners in Scotland may qualify for grants and interest-free loans toward heat pumps and other renewable heating systems via Home Energy Scotland.
Ready to go?
Find MCS-certified Ground Source Heat Pump installers near you
Compare MCS-certified specialists in your area, check their credentials, and book a free assessment worth £380.
