Ground source heat pumps use heat from the ground to efficiently warm your home and water, reducing energy use and carbon footprint.
A ground source heat pump (also called a ground-to-water heat pump) transfers heat from the ground outside to heat your home. It can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder, ready to use for your hot taps and showers.
In this guide we’ll take you through the benefits, how they work and how much they cost.
The Warm Homes Plan is set to invest close to £15 billion in improving the UK’s homes to cut energy bills.
For people on low incomes, there’ll be fully funded government support to install heat pumps.
There’ll also be low and zero-interest loans available for homeowners regardless of income.
We’ll update this guide when we know more.
For more information, read our blog on what the Warm Homes Plan means for you.
It starts with a loop of pipe that’s buried in your garden or outdoor space. This loop could either be a long or coiled pipe buried in trenches, or a long loop (called a ‘probe’) inserted into a borehole.
Inside this pipe is a mixture of water and antifreeze called a thermal transfer fluid (TTF), sometimes known as ‘brine’.
The brine absorbs heat from the ground, which then passes through a heat exchanger into a refrigerant. The refrigerant is compressed, raising its temperature, and this heat is transferred again to your central heating system.
For a more detailed look at how a heat pump works, see our in-depth guide to heat pumps.
The benefits of ground source heat pumps include:
There are a few things to consider when thinking about installing a ground source heat pump.
You may also be deciding which is better: a ground source or air source heat pump?
Installing a ground source heat pump is typically around £29,000 if your ground loop is buried in trenches. If you need to dig a borehole, this cost will be considerably more.
Generally, the cost of a ground source heat pump installation varies depending on several factors:
If you live in England and Wales, you can get £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
For in Scotland, you might be able to get an interest-free loan or a grant to make your home more energy efficient.
If you live in Northern Ireland, there isn’t a specific grant currently available but you can still ‘get heat pump ready’ and apply for funding for insulation via NI Energy Advice.
Running costs depend on:
Here are the potential annual savings of installing a standard ground source heat pump, including any recommended radiator upgrades, in a four-bedroom detached home:
Most heat pump installations are ‘permitted developments’ that don’t that don’t need planning permission.
But there are exceptions, for example if you live in a listed building or conservation area. It’s best to check with your local planning office, just in case.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three different installers who are accredited through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
Our step-by-step guide takes you through the whole heat pump installation process, from initial preparation all the way to ongoing maintenance.
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Energy Saving Trust is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (716195) and delivers the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan mentioned on this page via Home Energy Scotland on behalf of Scottish Government. Loans are subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.
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Last updated: 20 May 2026
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