Advantages

Ground and water source heat pumps are similar in size to a domestic fridge freezer and can be located in a garage or utility room. Heat pumps are durable and highly reliable. They contain few moving parts and all components are either buried in the ground or located inside. The underground pipe typically carries a 40-year warranty

Ground source heat pumps attract a £1500 government grant and a new grant is expected for air source versions in April 2007.

Air source heat pumps can be located unobtrusively outside the house or in the roof space. They are easier and cheaper to install than ground or water source.

All heat pumps are ideal in combination with underfloor heating where the required water temperature is 50-60º.