Renu Heating

Air Source vs Ground Source Heat Pumps | Leicester Homeowners’ Guide

Compare air source and ground source heat pumps. Discover which renewable heating solution is better for your Leicester or Leicestershire property.

Renewable Heating in Leicester – Which Heat Pump Should You Choose?

If you’re a homeowner in Leicester or Leicestershire, switching to a renewable heating system is a smart move. But when choosing between an air source heat pump (ASHP) and a ground source heat pump (GSHP), it’s important to weigh your options carefully.

Both systems cut energy bills and carbon emissions—but which is best for your home?

Air Source Heat Pumps – Efficient, Accessible, and Cost-Effective

An air source heat pump extracts warmth from the outside air—even in winter—and uses it to heat your home and water. It’s a compact, popular choice in Leicester due to:

– Lower upfront cost: £7,000–£12,000
– Minimal disruption: Installed on an external wall or ground pad
– Ideal for homes in urban and suburban areas like Wigston, Oadby, and Leicester city centre
– Eligible for grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

Best for households with limited outdoor space or on a tighter budget.

Ground Source Heat Pumps – High Efficiency, Long-Term Benefits

Ground source heat pumps extract warmth from underground pipes installed in long trenches or boreholes. While installation is more complex, they offer:

– Exceptional efficiency (COP of 3.5–4.5)
– Lower long-term running costs
– Longer system lifespan
– Ideal for rural homes or properties with large gardens in places like Lutterworth, Market Bosworth, or Quorn

Best for those with outdoor space and planning a long-term investment.

Quick Comparison: Air vs Ground Source Heat Pumps

Feature                     | Air Source Heat Pump        | Ground Source Heat Pump
—————————-|—————————–|———————————
Cost                       | £7,000–£12,000              | £18,000–£30,000
Efficiency (COP)           | 3.0–3.5                     | 3.5–4.5
Space Needed               | Minimal                     | Large outdoor space required
Installation Disruption    | Low                         | High (digging required)
Best for                   | Leicester suburbs & towns   | Rural Leicestershire homes

Things to Consider in Leicester & Leicestershire

– Do you have space for ground loops or boreholes?
– Are you upgrading an existing home or building new?
– What’s your budget and payback timeframe?
– Do you qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Expert Insight

“For most city properties in Leicester, air source heat pumps are the go-to. But in the countryside, a well-installed ground source system can deliver unbeatable savings over 20+ years.”

– Air source vs ground source heat pump
– Heat pump comparison Leicester
– Ground source heat pump Leicestershire
– Renewable heating Leicester
– Boiler Upgrade Scheme Leicester
– https://renuheating.co.uk/ (local installer & support)

Coming Next Week

How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost in Leicester?
We’ll break down pricing, installation factors, grants, and long-term savings.