A ground-source heat pump is an electrically powered system that taps the stable, residual heat stored immediately below the surface of the earth. This heat can be turned into space heating and hot water for homes and buildings.

Heat pumps work like back-to-front refrigerators. Feel the back of any fridge and it will be warm. This is because it moves heat from one place, its inside, to another – its back panel.

Using this principle, it is therefore possible to heat a building. Put the interior of the fridge in the ground, thus cooling it down, while leaving the back panel inside – warming the building up.

This programme takes a look at how a typical heat pump system is configured, design options and issues to consider on site.

About the contributors

Michael Moggeridge is Contracts Manager for Magpie Drilling.

Stephen Newman is Technical Director for Mitie Energy.


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