Ground Source Heating Systems (GSHS) and Boreholes

A GSHS harnesses the natural heat or geothermal energy that's stored in the ground. It's a 100% renewable and can provide heating and cooling for your home or business all year round. The ground source heat pump (GSHP) is pretty much as it sounds! As the part of the system that moves the heat from the ground into your building. You can read more about how it works below.

Our Earth is mainly divided into three layers. At the very centre is the core, which is roughly 5,200° Celsius or 9,392° Fahrenheit, that’s pretty hot! In fact, hotter than the outer layer of the sun.     

This heat is gradually transferred through the next layer – known as the mantle, becoming molten rock known as magma. As we get closer to the earth’s third layer – or 'crust', the magma cools into rock that stores heat, also heating any nearby water systems and creating steam.    

We can harness this trapped geothermal heat by drilling deep wells and boreholes that tap into rising heat and steam in turn powering turbines, generators and pumps to produce electricity.    

Mostly without knowing it we’ve all been taking advantage of this heat for thousands of years. Think of the spa towns of Bath and Buxton.

In most cases a ground source heat pump (GSHP) will move the heat stored in the ground through a length of pipe also known as a geo-loop. The pipe contains a fluid made from water and antifreeze that transfers the heat to your home, where it warms your radiators, powers underfloor heating, and heats your water. 

But a geothermal system can also cool too, making it incredibly versatile for homes and businesses alike.   

This special geo-loop pipe can either be threaded around deep trenches in the ground or ran down a borehole as one long loop. Geo-loop pipe is made from high-density polyethylene and if it’s installed correctly lasts 80+ years.

It's eco-friendly 

The heat generated by the earth is constant and maintains a regular temperature. This means geothermal energy 100% renewable, clean and reduces your carbon footprint.        

It’s an investment in the future 

With fuel bills are rising rapidly there’s no guessing how or where future energy will come from, or its cost economically and environmentally.

A domestic closed loop system has a surprisingly long life. The boiler in your home has an average lifespan of 15 years, compare this to a geothermal system that can last up to 80 or 100 years. Because there are fewer electrical or mechanical components the chance of breakdown is minimal.   

Unlike solar or wind power – you can’t really see it! 

Solar panels can look unsympathetic on older buildings, or maybe a wind turbine in your garden just isn’t an option. A GSHS can be virtually invisible option and it’s quiet too. 

The plant-room can be installed in your basement, outside in a garage or tucked away neatly on a driveway.

Our expert geological knowledge means we'll find out if your area is suitable for geothermal drilling. We ensure your boreholes are positioned correctly and are deep enough to harness the heat to run your heating system.    

If you live in the Rutland and Leicestershire area, we can help you install a full ground source heating system from boreholes to plant-room. Even if you’re further afield we can still help by recommending a number of trusted installers, just get in touch.  

It's a good question and of course it's critical when taking the overall cost of installing a well or GSHS. Each project has individual requirements. There's a few different factors that can affect the cost including; the geology of where you live, depth of the borehole(s), equipment needed and setup . 

We'd always advise you get in touch for a free quote – it's the only way to ensure you get an accurate cost for your project.

Would you like to take a look at some of our projects or contact us to find out more?