When choosing between an air source heat pump, or ASHP, and a ground source heat pump, or GSHP, cost, space and efficiency are the main factors to consider.
Cost
ASHPs are the most popular option in the UK. They are typically cheaper to install – around £11,000 compared with about £29,000 for a GSHP – and involve much less disruption.
Siting and practical issues
An ASHP unit simply sits outside your home, while a GSHP requires digging trenches or drilling boreholes for underground pipework. For this reason, GSHPs are often only suitable if you have a large garden or plenty of outdoor land.
Performance and efficiency
Both systems work on the same principle: extracting natural heat and transferring it to your heating system. Their efficiency varies depending on their source. Air source units depend on fluctuating outdoor temperatures, which means efficiency can dip during the coldest months. In contrast, ground temperature remains relatively stable throughout the year, often making GSHPs more consistent and efficient overall.
The rate of heat pump sales is soaring. However, ASHPs account for about 84% of the UK market and are providing lower bills with steady heat output to a growing number of households. Companies like https://gsmlimited.com/services/air-source-heat-pumps/worcester/ are at the forefront of supplying air source heat pumps Worcester.
Ultimately, if you’re restricted by budget or outdoor space, an ASHP is likely to be the better fit. If you can accommodate the installation costs and land requirements, a GSHP may offer lower long-term running costs and reduced carbon emissions.