A great deal of thought goes into the design of a GSHP system, firstly the property itself must be surveyed to see if it meets the required insulation standards, GSHP is a low intensity heat source so many older, poorly insulated properties are totally unsuitable for this form of heating. Next the method of heat gathering must be ascertained, on average a horizontal looped ground source will need around 50 m² per Kw of heat demand, a vertical loop will require about 30 m². Bore holes will require very little space but require an extensive geological survey. (Dealt with on another page). The nature of the ground itself factors into the decision making, if the soil is very shallow or rocky the digging of trenches for the loops may not be practical. Very dry, well drained land will increase the total area required, where as very wet, marshy land will reduce it. While vertical loop systems require less surface area they will require significantly deeper trenches than horizontal loops so a suitable depth of excavate-able soil needs to be available. If the property in question has a large body of constantly standing water available then a system can be designed to utilise that as an excellent heat source.

Once the heat gathering method has been decided upon then the correct heat pump must be chosen, it must be suitable for the heat gathering method and able to provide sufficient heat to meet the property’s heat demand. the nature of the electricity supply to the property must be factored in here as not all available power supply systems are suitable for all heat pump systems.

Finally the heat distribution method should be designed. Because GSHP is a low intensity heat gathering system then it follows that a low intensity heat distribution system is best suited. In-slab or underfloor heating are generally the choices for this. In-slab heating is a method suitable only for new builds whereas underfloor heating can be fitted easily to existing properties. The button below opens an excellent PDF from GSHP.ORG.UK that explains the process in greater detail.

A great deal of thought goes into the design of a GSHP system, firstly the property itself must be surveyed to see if it meets the required insulation standards, GSHP is a low intensity heat source so many older, poorly insulated properties are totally unsuitable for this form of heating. Next the method of heat gathering must be ascertained, on average a horizontal looped ground source will need around 50 m² per Kw of heat demand, a vertical loop will require about 30 m². Bore holes will require very little space but require an extensive geological survey. (Dealt with on another page). The nature of the ground itself factors into the decision making, if the soil is very shallow or rocky the digging of trenches for the loops may not be practical. Very dry, well drained land will increase the total area required, where as very wet, marshy land will reduce it. While vertical loop systems require less surface area they will require significantly deeper trenches than horizontal loops so a suitable depth of excavate-able soil needs to be available. If the property in question has a large body of constantly standing water available then a system can be designed to utilise that as an excellent heat source.

Once the heat gathering method has been decided upon then the correct heat pump must be chosen, it must be suitable for the heat gathering method and able to provide sufficient heat to meet the property’s heat demand. the nature of the electricity supply to the property must be factored in here as not all available power supply systems are suitable for all heat pump systems.

Finally the heat distribution method should be designed. Because GSHP is a low intensity heat gathering system then it follows that a low intensity heat distribution system is best suited. In-slab or underfloor heating are generally the choices for this. In-slab heating is a method suitable only for new builds whereas underfloor heating can be fitted easily to existing properties. The button below opens an excellent PDF from GSHP.ORG that explains the process in greater detail.

A great deal of thought goes into the design of a GSHP system, firstly the property itself must be surveyed to see if it meets the required insulation standards, GSHP is a low intensity heat source so many older, poorly insulated properties are totally unsuitable for this form of heating. Next the method of heat gathering must be ascertained, on average a horizontal looped ground source will need around 50 m² per Kw of heat demand, a vertical loop will require about 30 m². Bore holes will require very little space but require an extensive geological survey. (Dealt with on another page). The nature of the ground itself factors into the decision making, if the soil is very shallow or rocky the digging of trenches for the loops may not be practical. Very dry, well drained land will increase the total area required, where as very wet, marshy land will reduce it. While vertical loop systems require less surface area they will require significantly deeper trenches than horizontal loops so a suitable depth of excavate-able soil needs to be available. If the property in question has a large body of constantly standing water available then a system can be designed to utilise that as an excellent heat source.

Once the heat gathering method has been decided upon then the correct heat pump must be chosen, it must be suitable for the heat gathering method and able to provide sufficient heat to meet the property’s heat demand. the nature of the electricity supply to the property must be factored in here as not all available power supply systems are suitable for all heat pump systems.

Finally the heat distribution method should be designed. Because GSHP is a low intensity heat gathering system then it follows that a low intensity heat distribution system is best suited. In-slab or underfloor heating are generally the choices for this. In-slab heating is a method suitable only for new builds whereas underfloor heating can be fitted easily to existing properties. The button below opens an excellent PDF from GSHP.ORG that explains the process in greater detail.