Why 2014 is the year of the Ground Source Heat Pump

There’s never been a better time to consider Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) as an alternative heating supply.

And here’s why.

In April the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) more than doubled the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for GSHP and introduced a subsidy for deep geothermal installations, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the technology.

In fact, 2014 is likely to be viewed as a landmark year for GSHPs.

The National Health Service introduced its Sustainability Development Strategy in January this year, laying the path for a more sustainable health system by 2020. Seeking to build on its more environmentally carbon reduction focused strategy in 2009, it counts ‘using local natural resources without harming the environment’ among its key principles.

And this is where GSHP can pay some real dividends.

It’s a simple technology that uses the heat stored in the earth at a relatively constant temperature all year round to provide a building’s heating and cooling needs. Together with running cost savings over older, less efficient systems, lower maintenance requirements and income from the RHI, the system represents an obvious choice for any organisation championing sustainability.

That said, GSHP systems aren’t necessarily for everyone. There’s no point replacing a relatively new heating system that’s still highly efficient, since the reduction in running cost wouldn’t justify the up front investment required.

But if your current system is nearing the end of its life or if you are part of a new build project, GSHP should be at the forefront of your mind when considering heating needs.

Recently, new build hospitals and care homes have gone down the GSHP route – such as Churchill Hospital in Oxford, Mansfield Hospital in Nottingham and Dundonald House Care Home in Ayrshire.
And that’s a trend set to continue, not only due to the sustainable development principles embraced by GSHP, but also due to the improved financial incentives.

GSHP technology is an efficient system that won’t cost the earth.

If you would like to hear more about how EDF Energy’s energy services team can help you, please email energyexperts@edfenergy.com or call 0845 300 9146.