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Ground source heat pump: An environmentally friendly and efficient heating solution

Geothermal heating is an environmentally friendly and efficient heating solution that saves money and improves living comfort. Read more about the benefits, operation, installation and prices of geothermal heat.
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What is ground source heat pump

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that uses solar energy stored in the soil to heat and cool buildings. It is an ecological and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating systems, such as oil and gas boilers. Geothermal systems use pipelines installed in the ground to collect heat from the soil or water and transfer it to the heating system.

How does geothermal energy work

Geothermal principle: How does the geothermal system work?

The geothermal system works by utilizing the thermal energy stored in the soil. The system consists of ground-mounted collection pipes, a heat pump and accumulators. The liquid circulating in the collection pipes collects heat from the soil and transfers it to the heat pump. The heat pump raises the temperature and distributes the heat further into the building. In summer, the system can be turned to work in the opposite way, in which case it cools the building.

Heat sources: What heat sources does geothermal heat use?

Geothermal systems can utilize three main heat sources:

System components: What parts are included in the geothermal system?

The geothermal system consists of the following components:

The benefits of geothermal energy

Environmental friendliness: How does geothermal heat reduce your carbon footprint?

Geothermal heating is one of the most environmentally friendly heating solutions because it uses renewable energy in the environment with high efficiency. Solar energy stored in the ground is collected and used to heat and cool buildings, which reduces the need for fossil fuels. This, in turn, reduces carbon dioxide emissions, which is central to combating climate change. In addition, geothermal systems do not produce local pollutants such as fine particles or nitrogen oxides, which improves the air quality in your environment.

Energy efficiency: How does geothermal energy save money?

Geothermal systems are very energy efficient because they transfer heat instead of producing it by burning fuel. This means that they can produce up to four times more energy than they consume in electricity. In the long term, this means considerable savings in heating costs. Although the initial investment of a geothermal system can be higher than that of traditional heating systems, its lower running costs and long life make it a financially viable choice.

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Comfort: How does the geothermal system guarantee even heating?

Geothermal systems offer a constant and comfortable indoor temperature all year round. They can both heat and cool the building, which makes them a versatile solution for all seasons.

Maintenance-free: How little maintenance does the geothermal system require?

Geothermal systems are known for their low maintenance requirements. They mainly consist of underground collection pipes and a heat pump, which are durable and long-lasting. The heat pump only needs minor annual maintenance, such as cleaning the filters and checking the system. Underground pipelines are designed to last for decades without significant maintenance, which reduces maintenance costs and maintenance effort.

Increase in value: How does a geothermal system increase the property's value?

Investing in a geothermal system can significantly increase the property's value. Potential buyers appreciate environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions that reduce operating and maintenance costs. A property with an installed geothermal system can be more attractive on the market and stand out positively from other properties. In addition, the geothermal system's long service life and low need for maintenance increase its attractiveness in the eyes of buyers, making it a valuable selling point.

Things to consider in geothermal heat

Acquisition costs: How much does it cost to install a geothermal system?

Installing a geothermal system is a significant investment that can be a big financial commitment for many households. Typically, the costs of a geothermal system vary between 15,000 and 25,000 euros, depending on the size of the property and the need for heat.

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Space requirement: How much space does the geothermal system require?

The installation of a geothermal system requires sufficient space for underground collection pipes or boreholes. Horizontal collection pipelines require a large plot of land where the pipelines can be installed without disturbing other structures or vegetation. Vertical boreholes require less surface area, and on small plots, vertical drilling is always possible in principle.

Is geothermal heat suitable for all properties?

Geothermal heat is generally suitable for all small house sites and most larger properties. Finland's soil is basically good for utilizing ground heat. The groundwater located under the plot prevents the implementation of vertical wells, but even then a horizontal collection pipeline is possible. The contractor will assist in ensuring installation suitability and compliance with local regulations.

Installation: How should the installation of the geothermal system be done by a professional?

Geothermal heating is a carefree heating solution when it is installed properly. The installation of a geothermal system requires expertise in the dimensioning of the system and, among other things, appropriate permits for the handling of refrigerants. An incorrectly installed and dimensioned system can lead to inefficient operation and high operating costs.

Installing geothermal heat

Steps of the installation process: How is the geothermal system installed?

The installation of a geothermal system consists of steps that must be carried out precisely and carefully. Here are the main steps of the installation process:

  1. Planning and dimensioning: The first step is to determine the heating need, ensure the conditions for drilling and dimension the equipment. It is important that the equipment is dimensioned sensibly so that it produces optimal heating cost savings for the user.
  2. Acquisition of permits: The contractor's task is to manage the permit process to install the system.
  3. Installation of the collection pipeline: The collection pipelines, which are the core of the geothermal system, are installed in the ground. Here, it is important that the required number of meters covers the heating needs of the property.
  4. Installation of the heat pump: After the collection piping is installed, the heat pump is installed in the building. The heat pump is connected to the collection pipeline and the heat distribution system, such as underfloor heating or radiators.
  5. System testing and commissioning: After installation, the system is tested and adjusted for optimal operation. Commissioning also includes user training so that the owner understands the use and maintenance of the system.

Installation costs: How much does it cost to install a geothermal system?

The cost of installing a geothermal system can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as property size, soil conditions and system requirements. Typically, the total costs of a geothermal system vary between 15,000 and 25,000 euros. Although the initial investment is significant, the low operating costs and long service life of the geothermal system make it an economically viable choice in the long term.

Manufacturers and installers: How to find a reliable geothermal system supplier?

Finding a reliable geothermal system supplier is crucial for the successful installation and operation of the system. Here are some tips for finding a reliable supplier:

  1. Request several offers: There are different types of equipment manufacturers and numerous local contractors on the market. It's worth asking for more than one quote, so you get a comprehensive picture of the solutions on the market.
  2. Compare offers and pay attention to adequate sizing: Ask for several offers from different suppliers and compare them carefully. Pay attention to the content of the offer, prices and delivery terms. In particular, you should pay attention to the fact that the equipment and the borehole are sized properly - an undersized system leads to a lower savings potential. So the cheapest is not necessarily the best.
  3. Rate customer service: Good customer service is an important part of a reliable supplier. Make sure the supplier is easily accessible and ready to answer your questions.

Support and warranty: How to ensure quality installation and support?

High-quality installation and support are essential to ensure the long-term functionality of the geothermal system. Here are some ways to ensure quality installation and support:

  1. Warranty: Make sure the geothermal system has a comprehensive warranty that covers both the hardware and the installation. Good manufacturers usually offer long warranty periods.
  2. Service contract: Many suppliers offer service contracts that include regular inspections and maintenance work. This can help keep your system up and running and prevent potential problems.
  3. User training: A good supplier will provide user training so that you understand how to use the system and basic maintenance. This may include guidance on adjusting the heat pump and cleaning the filters.
  4. Customer support: Make sure that the supplier offers customer support and is available in case of possible problem situations. Quick response and expert support can solve problems before they grow bigger.

Ground source heat pump compared to other heating systems

The ground source heating system uses the heat of the soil and is very energy efficient and environmentally friendly because it reduces carbon dioxide emissions. However, it requires a large initial investment. Oil heating, on the other hand, is based on fossil fuels and its operating costs can vary depending on the price of oil. The initial investment for oil heating is usually moderate, but it requires regular maintenance and the purchase of fuel, which increases operating costs and the environmental burden. In the long term, geothermal heat is both economically and ecologically a more sustainable option.

Ground source heat pump uses the heat of the soil and is a very energy-efficient option that offers low operating costs and little maintenance. However, its initial investment is quite high. Direct electric heating, on the other hand, is inexpensive to install and easy to use, but its operating costs can be considerably high, especially in the cold months. Electric heating is also dependent on the electricity grid, which makes it susceptible to fluctuations in the price of electricity. Ground source heat pump also uses electricity, but due to the high efficiency, 3-4 times less - because of this, the fluctuations in the price of electricity are not so significant in ground source heating.

Geothermal and district heating both offer efficient heating solutions, but their operating principles and cost structures differ. Geothermal is an independent system that uses the heat of the soil and offers low operating costs and a low need for maintenance. District heating, on the other hand, is a centralized heating system that distributes heat from a centralized production plant to several buildings. The advantage of district heating is its ease of use and low initial investment, but its operating costs can be very high, and district heating can never pay itself back.

Geothermal and air-to-water heat pumps are both modern heating systems that reduce dependence on fossil fuels. A geothermal system uses the heat of the soil and is very energy efficient, but requires a large initial investment and space for underground collection pipes or boreholes. An air-to-water heat pump uses the thermal energy of the outside air to heat water, and its installation is cheaper and simpler. However, the efficiency of the air-to-water heat pump decreases when the frost gets tougher, which is why geothermal heat can often be the most profitable when considering the life cycle.

Ground source heat covers the house's heating needs throughout the year, even in severe frosts. The air-to-air heat pump instead requires a back-up system, which is typically direct electric heating (radiators or underfloor heating). Both are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional heating systems. Ground source heat pump uses the heat of the soil, which makes it a constant and reliable heat source all year round. The air-to-air source heat pump utilizes the thermal energy of the outside air, and its advantage is a lower initial investment and easy installation.

Ground source and solar heat are both environmentally friendly heating options, but their operation and efficiency differ from each other. The ground source system utilizes the heat stored in the soil, which is available all year round and in all weather conditions. This makes it a very reliable form of heating. A solar thermal system is a secondary form of heating that uses solar radiation, making it dependent on sunlight and less efficient on cloudy and winter days.

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Summary

Geothermal heat is an environmentally friendly and efficient heating solution that uses solar energy stored in the soil to heat and cool buildings. It is an ecological and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating systems. Geothermal systems consist of pipelines installed in the ground, a heat pump, accumulators and a heat distribution system, which together produce an even and comfortable indoor temperature all year round.

The advantages of geothermal heat are manifold: it reduces the carbon footprint, saves money thanks to its energy efficiency, provides even heating and is low-maintenance. Although installing a geothermal system requires a significant initial investment and sufficient space for underground collection pipes or boreholes, its long-term savings and environmental friendliness make it an attractive option. When comparing geothermal heat to other heating systems, such as direct electric heating or district heating, geothermal heat stands out especially thanks to its affordability and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

There have been articles in the media that incorrectly discuss the depletion of ground source heat wells. Such misconceptions often stem from system suppliers using incorrect or poor assumptions in their calculations. This can lead to investment costs appearing lower because fewer wells are drilled than necessary. If investments are made based on these lower prices, the wells can indeed become depleted. Ground source heat is a renewable energy source based on underground heat. It doesn’t practically run out in the same way as fossil fuels because the sun and soil continuously produce heat. Ground source heat is utilized through boreholes and heat pumps, and the equipment used for its exploitation can last for decades with proper maintenance. It is essential to correctly size the adequacy of boreholes and the system to prevent well depletion. A properly installed and maintained ground source heat system can provide a sustainable and efficient energy solution far into the future.

Generally, the payback period is 5-15 years. In detached houses, the acquisition and installation costs can range from 15,000 to 30,000 euros, depending on the system size and installation complexity. Savings depend on heating needs and the current heating system but can be up to 70-80% of current heating costs. For example, if heating costs were previously 2,500 euros per year, and savings with a ground source heat system are 1,750 euros per year (70% savings), the payback period would be about 10 years if the initial investment is 20,000 euros. Rising energy costs accelerate the payback period because savings in heating costs increase in proportion to energy price increases. Ground source heat systems are typically long-lasting and require little maintenance. A well-maintained system can operate efficiently for decades, improving the profitability of the investment in the long term.

In most cases, continuous operation of a ground source heat pump is recommended to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. During summer months, when heating needs are minimal or non-existent, it might be tempting to turn off the ground source heat pump. However, the heat pump also produces domestic hot water, so turning it off means the house needs another heat source for water heating. During a vacation, turning off the ground source heat pump can reduce energy consumption. However, it’s important to ensure that indoor temperature doesn’t drop too low, which could cause moisture condensation or other problems. If the ground source heat pump needs maintenance or repair, it should be turned off. This is important both for the safety of the device and for carrying out maintenance work. Regular maintenance ensures optimal operation and long life of the ground source heat pump.

The amount of electricity used by ground source heat pumps is significantly lower than traditional electric or oil heating systems. Their efficiency is measured by the COP (Coefficient of Performance) value, which indicates how many kilowatt-hours of thermal energy the system produces per one kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed. For example, a ground source heat pump operating at a COP of 4 produces 4 kWh of heat for every kilowatt-hour of electricity used. On average, a Finnish detached house consumes about 20,000 - 30,000 kWh of thermal energy per year. If the average COP of the ground source heat pump is 4 (typically 3-5), it means that the annual electricity consumption for heating would be approximately 5,000 - 7,500 kWh.

Geothermal heat can be a very profitable and environmentally friendly solution for an old house. However, it is important to make a thorough assessment and possibly improve the house's energy efficiency before installing a geothermal system, e.g. by changing windows or adding insulation. This might reduce the needed investment to a ground source heat pump substantially. The help of an expert is recommended so that the system is sized correctly and the investment produces the best possible benefits.

The costs of drilling a ground source heat well typically range from 40 to 50 euros per meter. This means that, for example, a 200-meter deep well could cost between 8,000 and 10,000 euros. The total costs also include other installation-related work, such as piping installation and heat pump connection. If the bedrock is far from the surface, additional costs will be incurred due to the need to pipe through soft soil. A deeper well costs more because drilling takes more time and resources. A detached house usually requires one well less than 300 meters deep, but apartment buildings and commercial properties may need several wells 300-800 meters deep.

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