Ground Source Heat Pump Calculator
Sizing, ground array, SCOP, running cost & fuel comparison
🇬🇧 UK & Ireland
🇪🇺 Europe
🇺🇸 USA & Canada
🇦🇺 Aus & NZ
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★ Ground temp: ~10°C - 1,600 full-load hrs/yr
Detached
Semi-detached
Terraced
Flat
Bungalow
Total heated floor area across all storeys.
Poor (pre-1940s)
Average (1980s-2000)
Good (post-2000)
Excellent (EnerPHit)
Horizontal loops
Buried 1-2 m deep in trenches. Needs large garden area.
Vertical boreholes
Drilled 50-150 m deep. Minimal surface area needed.
Slinky loops
Coiled pipe in trenches. Less land than straight horizontal.
Underfloor heating (35°C)
Upgraded / large radiators (45°C)
Standard radiators (55°C)
Tariffs & Costs
Unit rate from your energy bill
Full installed cost including ground works. Used to calculate payback.
Current Fuel Comparison
Gas
Oil
LPG
Electric
None
Mains natural gas boiler - check your bill for exact rate
Ground Source Heat Pump Results
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much ground loop do I need for a ground source heat pump?
Horizontal loop: approximately 30-50 m of pipe per kW of capacity, or 10x the property floor area in m² of land. A 10 kW system needs 400-600 m of pipe. Vertical borehole: approximately 40-70 W per metre depth - a 10 kW system needs 150-250 m of borehole (one or two boreholes).
What is the difference between horizontal and vertical ground source heat pumps?
Horizontal loop: buried at 1.2-1.5 m depth, lower install cost but needs large land area (10x floor area). Vertical borehole: drilled to 60-150 m depth, small surface footprint but significantly more expensive to drill (approximately £10,000-£20,000 more). Vertical preferred where land is limited or disturbance must be minimised.
How efficient is a ground source heat pump?
UK GSHPs typically achieve SCOP 3.0-4.5 - higher than air source systems (SCOP 2.5-3.5) because ground temperature (8-12°C at 1.5 m depth) stays stable year-round. A SCOP of 4.0 means 4 kWh heat per 1 kWh electricity. Ground performance doesn't drop in cold weather the way air source output does.
Do I need planning permission for a ground source heat pump?
Generally permitted development in England (no planning permission needed). However, vertical boreholes must comply with Environment Agency groundwater protection rules. Horizontal loops must be at least 50 m from a potable water source. Conservation Areas, National Parks, and listed buildings: check with your Local Planning Authority before starting ground works.
Can I get a grant for a ground source heat pump?
Yes - the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides £7,500 off a ground source heat pump in England and Wales. Paid to your MCS-certified installer and deducted from the invoice. Requires: valid EPC with no outstanding insulation recommendations; MCS-certified installer. GSHPs typically cost £15,000-£30,000 installed, so the grant is a meaningful contribution.
Can a ground source heat pump provide both heating and hot water?
Yes - most GSHP systems provide both space heating and domestic hot water. The heat pump heats water to 35-50°C for space heating and around 50-55°C for a hot water thermal store. An immersion heater periodically raises water to 60°C for legionella prevention. A well-designed GSHP can meet 100% of a well-insulated home's heating and hot water demand.