Ground source heat pumps work "very well" for new buildings, according to a construction expert.
Mark Brinkley, author of the Housebuilder's Bible, told a seminar at the Grand Designs Live show, that the heating technology generated three times the energy it used.
According to energy supplier E.ON, a ground source heat pump consists of piping laid underground. The piping is filled with a liquid which absorbs ground heat is pumped around the system and into the building, where it can warm spaces and water.
Mr Brinkley told the audience at the Don't Move, Improve seminar: "The clever thing about ground source heat pumps is the gearing effect they get in pulling most of the heat out of the garden.
"For every unit of power you put in, you get three units of heat out."
He added that while the technology was suited to new constructions it might not work with existing houses as not all have a big enough back garden and people often don't want it dug up.
However, E.ON notes that a garden need not be so big as the pipes can be arranged vertically as well as horizontally.
E.ON also advises homeowners thinking of installing microgeneration devices to reduce their energy bills to tackle less costly energy efficiency measures first, such as installing insulation and double glazing.
