The Benefits of using Ground Source Heat Pumps for the Housing Association, Council and Local Authority for Retrofit Schemes.

Ground source heat pumps are a compelling technology for social housing providers looking to develop or upgrade properties to meet more stringent regulatory requirements. However, systems, particularly the design of the ground arrays, need to be handled correctly and this requires some expertise even if the subsequent installation is very straightforward.

Kensa is a manufacturer with an objective to remove any ‘mystery’ linked to heat pump technology and the installation of the appliances.

Without doubt, the most challenging element to any project is the ‘application engineering’ to ensure the correct sizing of the ground arrays, heat pump and distribution system SAP reports can be used to size the heat pump but determining the depth of the borehole, or the length of any horizontal ‘Slinky’ trenches, is far more demanding, partly because of the UK’s huge geological diversity.

Fortunately, there are software programmers, and an emerging band of specialist designers with background in thermo-geology, who can provide a design service to ensure the drilling contractors are not charging for unnecessary borehole depth.

In addition, many drilling contractors are beginning to specialise in geothermal drilling and are recognising that they need to also provide a trenching service (to link the borehole to the manifold location on the building perimeter) and a concrete platform to accommodate the heat pump itself. In some cases, innovative contractors are offering to install the heat pump leaving a separate contractor to perform the internal works.

Certainly. the installation of a heat pump is straightforward and can be performed by any contractor capable of installing a gas boiler. In order to comply with grant requirements, the installation must be handled by an MCS-accredited contractor, a status not held by many plumbers. Thankfully, Kensa is an MCS-accredited installer so can work alongside any local contractor to provide a complete service via our remote commissioning service.

Before you commit to specifying a ground source heat pump on your project, it is important that you establish whether ground source is a feasible option. You can start to establish this by answering a few simple questions:-

1. Is there sufficient land available to install the required ground loops?

Energy for the heat pump must be extracted from the ground. In most social housing applications the external space is limited, so it likely the borehole route will be used. Each property will need access to an area suitable for locating the boreholes, and must be accessible to digging machinery. Geothermal Borehole drilling is a specialist discipline; Kensa can make recommendations for suitable contractors if required.

As the mobilization cost of drilling rigs is a high proportion of the total installation cost, it is generally most cost effective to do a number of properties in a single phase of works, economies of scale will reduce the cost per property the more bore holes are drilled.

2. Is the building going to be well insulated?

Since ground source heat pumps produce a lower temperature heat than traditional boilers, it's essential that all reasonable fabric improvements are made in terms of insulation and draught proofed for the heating system to be effective. Download the Kensa Factsheet which outlines the importance of a well insulated building.

3. What sort of heating distribution system is currently in place, or what heating distribution system do you propose on using?

Generally in a retrofit scenario the cost of UFH is prohibitive therefore radiators have to be used. Heat Pumps can work effectively with radiators proving the system is designed with the lower flow temperature, circa 50°C. Kensa heat pumps can also be configured to provide all of the heating and domestic hot water needs for a property.

4. What level of financial commitment can you give to installing a ground source heat pump?

Costs of installing ground source heat pump, will depend on the size of the property and the insulation measures in place and the volume of house to be installed.

For a budget price for a retro fit scheme, please submit a property list, along with floor areas, and ideally SAP calculations. Alternatively call the sales office on 01392 826022 to discuss.

Whilst there have been significant changes to the funding streams in place following the closure of the LCBP, the good news is the Renewable Heat Incentive is set to proceed.

Running costs will depend on a number of factors as above, and also the usage behavior of the tenant. If the heat pump is used to replace oil, night storage, or solid fuel. The running cost saving to the tenant will be significant, however, some education will be required to ensure they use the system effectively and retinan the greatest running cost saving.

One you have established that a ground source heat pump is a feasible option for your project, you can now explore the benefits and key issues to installing a ground source heat pump by clicking on the below links:-

The Benefits of using Ground Source Heat Pumps for the Housing Association, Council and Local Authority for Retrofit Schemes.

To find out more about Kensa Heat Pumps, click on one of the below links to be taken to the relevant page.