air source and ground source heat pump difference
air source and ground source heat pump difference

Differences between air and ground source heat pumps

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Air source or ground source? What's the difference?

Both air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps provide a low-carbon and energy-efficient way to heat your home, but the main difference between them is how they source their heat.

Whereas air source heat pumps absorb ambient outside air and convert it into heat, a ground source heat pump uses either a vertical or horizontal pipe (called a ground loop) to absorb low temperature heat from the ground. The ground loop contains a fluid (a mix of water and antifreeze), and is buried underground in your garden. The heat sourced from the ground loop is then converted into heat through the pump unit.

Depending on your property type, there are many separate benefits and disadvantages to ground source heat pumps and their air source equivalents.

What are the benefits of an air source heat pump?

Similar to a ground source heat pump, an air source heat pump has its pros and cons, but will likely be a better fit for you home and climate.

  • The benefits
    • Perfect for properties that have limited outside space.
    • Low maintenance and much lower installation cost.
    • You can access a £7,500 grant to help with the initial installation costs, through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
    • No need to manage fuel deliveries.
    • No fuel storage requirements.
  • Things to consider
    • Your home needs to be well insulated first, to fully benefit from an air source heat pump.
    • Your home will need some outdoor space, to store your air source heat pump.

Your perfect heat pump system

We supply a variety of air source heat pump systems based on the size and age of your house. If you're interested in getting an air source heat pump, register your interest, and we'll be in touch. 

Get a quote today

We supply a variety of air source heat pump systems based on the size and age of your house. If you're interested in getting an air source heat pump, register your interest, and we'll be in touch. 

Get a quote today

What are the benefits of a ground source heat pump?

This type of pump provides a green and efficient way to heat your home, and has a lot of benefits. However, ground source heat pumps do have some disadvantages which you should consider.

  • The benefits
    • Once installed, a ground source heat pump has very few running costs.
    • It has great energy efficiency.
    • As it's installed below ground, the operational sound is lower than an air source heat pump.
    • No need to manage fuel deliveries.
    • No fuel storage requirements.
  • Things to consider
    • Because of the time and labour needed to install the heat pump below ground level, there's much higher installation costs.
    • The heat pump's efficiency can be affected by the soil type your property sits on.
    • Interior space may be an issue, as a ground source heat pump requires the installation of a fridge-sized unit inside your home to operate.

More about air source heat pumps from E.ON

If you choose to get an air source heat pump from us, you can be confident that you're receiving a product tailored to your requirements, ensuring you get the perfect comfort levels your home needs.

Payment options

You can pay in full, or spread the cost of your air source heat pump system with up to two years 0% APR interest free credit. We're a credit broker not a lender.3

Read more about finance options
Access to a £7,500 grant

You can get financial help with upfront costs thanks to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme £7,500.4

Find out about grant eligibility
Installing air source heat pumps across the UK
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A brand you can trust

We're a Which? Trusted Trader, and cover the installation of the renewable energy products we install in your home through HIES (The Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme.)

Extra protection

We're of a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited heat pump installer, and all air source heat pumps come with a seven year manufacturer's warranty.

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