Which houses are suitable for ground source heat pumps?

To fit a new ground source heat pump, you'll need plenty of space, and a garden with enough access for specialist digging equipment. 

The size of the pipe system depends on how big your home is, and how much heat you'll need from your system. Systems can be laid horizontally (for example, two 30m trenches for an average home) or vertically if space is limited, via a borehole 75-200m deep. 

You'll also need space inside your home for the indoor heat pump unit, which is roughly the size of a large fridge freezer.

Ground source heat pumps tend to be better suited to new build homes, or homes undergoing significant renovation work, as the installation process can be planned as part of the wider construction work. 

As with an air source heat pump, you'll get the most benefit from the system by maximising your home's energy efficiency through loft and cavity wall insulation.