Ground Source Heat Pump Cost

How Much Is a Ground Source Heat Pump?

Ground source heat pump installations can range from £10,000 to £16,000. Although, along with the cost of an air source heating pumps this can vary significantly.

For a ground source installation, the pump would be installed using a 6kW heat pump. Within the heat pump, a hot water cylinder with a small horizontal ground loop would be installed. The length of this is usually around 250m to 300m. This would cost in the region of £10,000 to £12,500 for parts and labour.

As the size of the installation increases, naturally so will the price. Moving on to a larger ground heat source pumps, a heat pump with a 12kW and 750m ground loop system with a 300-litre water cylinder would come to around £15,500 to £16,000.

The above costs are based on a standard installation, whereas projects involving extensive groundwork (such as trenching or borehole drilling) can become much higher due to the additional work required.

It's worth noting some systems may also use buffer tanks or other configurations that may also impact the end cost.

However, it's important to also consider the additional costs, such as digging and groundwork — which can leave a substantial dent in your budget if not taken into account. The cost of this will also vary depending on the pump size.

Some pumps, for example, horizontal systems, may require trenching, while vertical pumps may need a deeper drilling for a borehole.

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This cost can and will vary on a case-by-case basis. This depends on aspects such as location (as local prices may be cheaper/more expensive), contacts (maybe you know a landscaper who can do this for a reduced rate) or availability (taking two days to complete may higher the premium you pay with a professional contractor).

How much does a ground source heat pump cost in the UK?

In 2026, the average cost of ground source heat pump installations can be anywhere between £10,000 and £16,000.

However, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) allows a qualified installer to apply for £7,500 off the total cost (unit and installation).

This guide covers everything you need to know about ground source heat pump installations. We dive into what a ground source heat pump is, what the cost of vertical and horizontal ground source heat pump systems are, what impacts the prices you're quoted, and much more!

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Ground Source Heat Pump Prices

Horizontal ground source heat pumps require shallow trenches to lay the ground loop system and are suited towards properties with larger outdoor areas available and typically have lower installation costs. Vertical ground source heat pumps require deeper boreholes, making them ideal for smaller properties, however the extensive groundwork and drilling makes it a more complicated and expensive solution.

Horizontal Ground Source Heat Pump Price

The following prices include supply and installation, along with the added costs of any groundwork preparation (which can significantly increase the final cost).

Vertical Ground Source Heat Pump Price

The following prices include supply and installation, along with the added costs of any groundwork preparation (which can significantly increase the final cost).

Ground Source Heat Pump Supply Cost

Some people might be capable of doing the installation themselves. This is a cost-effective way if you have the tools and skills for the job.

Below are the costs for purely the supplies with no installation costs. The UK average is around £1,350 per kW.

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Additional Ground Source Heat Pump Costs

Cavity Wall Insulation Cost

On average, cavity wall insulation in the UK costs around £500 to install, with prices ranging from £350 to £750 depending on the size of property.

Cavity wall insulation is both eco-friendly and economically friendly, as it helps minimise heat loss meaning less energy is required to keep your home nice and warm.

Insulating a Loft

Boarding and insulating your loft will help prevent heat from escaping through the roof of your property, which is one of the main sources of heat loss and energy waste in UK homes.

When it comes to installing a ground source heat pump, the extra insulation will also make a significant impact in reducing energy bills, ensuring it is performing as effectively as possible.

Underfloor Heating Cost

On average, underfloor heating costs around £800 to get professionally installed.

There are two main types of underfloor heating: dry electric systems and water-based systems. While electric is often cheaper and easier to install, for ground source heat pumps, a wet underfloor heating system is typically preferred.

It can be connected directly to the heat pump and provides consistent, efficient heating across larger spaces, although is the more expensive option to install.

Ground Source Heat Pump Installer Cost

The labour cost is often overlooked. We get so invested in picking the right equipment and how much that is costing and then forget about the extra work that needs to be done. The main part of having a GSHP installed is the groundwork.

The cheaper way to have the pump installed is to have it installed horizontally, as this requires less labour. As shown before, the groundwork for a vertical 12kW heat source pump would need more work.

Three boreholes will need to be drilled, which comes to a total of £15,000 for the drilling alone. For a horizontal heat pump, the price would be around £10,000.

How Long Does Installing a Ground Source Heat Pump Take?

The timescales depend on what needs work doing to it. The main timescale comes before the heat pump is even near the house. The heating system needs to be excavated, which can take one or two days to complete.

Following this, installing the pipes takes place. Then, the tradesperson will make sure the heating system is working to its full potential, and modifying the ductwork will commence, which can take three to four days. The heat pump will then be installed and connected to the ductwork.

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Factors That Impact Ground Source Heat Pump Costs

There are several factors that can influence installation costs when it comes to a ground source heat pump and heating distribution system.

• Size of Installation - This is a big factor when looking at what can affect the cost of a ground source heat pump installation. The larger the heat pump unit, the more work will be needed on the other aspects of the job, such as groundwork preparation.
• Level of Insulation - If the insulation is not sufficient, then the heat generated by the ground pump isn't as energy efficient within the inside of the property. The insulation costs depend on how much you need and what type of material you purchase. The good thing is you can get a full house insulated for a small amount in the grand scheme of the overall project.
• Type of Heat Pump - The type of heat pump can cost or save you a big chunk of the budget. A horizontal heat pump is the most cost-effective but may not be suitable for the space you have. If you have a big pump that needs a large surface area that you cannot cater to, you may need to have a vertical pump which will cost you a lot more.
• Location of Property - The location of the property may mean that the contractor may need to do more work than they would for an average customer. If more work is needed, the contractor may charge more in labour, which could prove rather costly in the long run.
• Groundwork - This is the base preparation for the installation and requires professional expertise. More extensive groundwork increases labour costs, as it’s a specialist task that must be done correctly.

What's Involved in Installing a Ground Source Heat Pump?

It is not recommended to try installing a ground source heat pump as a DIY project, as it is a highly skilled job with many factors to consider. Plus the majority of people wonn't have the necessary skills, experience or know-how to do the work themselves, and as such it's highly advisable to leave to a professional.

The risks involved include jobs such as the rewiring of a heating system, or installing a source heat pump and can cause issues including anything from electric shock and power cuts to flood damage. Without the help of an expert, the energy efficiency of the ground loop system may be compromised.

It is also best to request more than one quote, so you can compare prices. With the help of MyJobQuote, you can find local ground source heat pump installers in your area for fast, free, quotes without any obligation to go ahead with the work.

When installing a ground source heat pump, these are some of the main steps involved:

Before the Installation

• Assess Your Home - An installer evaluates your property and existing heating system to design the best Ground Source Heat Pump system for your home.
• Grant Applications - Many companies are often able to apply for the boiler upgrade scheme on your behalf (potential savings on your ground source heating distribution system of up to £7,500).

During the Installation

• Excavate Loop Fields - Trenches or boreholes (also known as loop fields) are dug to bury pipes that absorb heat from the ground.
• Install Pipes - The pipes are then fitted and filled with water and antifreeze, which then acts as a heat exchanger.
• Modify Existing Heating - Any existing heating system and distribution infrastructure is adapted to work efficiently with the GSHP.
• Install the Heat Pump - The air source heat pump and heat pump unit is connected and integrated into your heating system.

After the Installation

• Waste Removal - Once any finishing touches are completed, excess waste is removed from the site.

Types of Ground Source Heat Pumps

Horizontal ground source heat pumps fall typically on the cheaper side of GSHP systems as less groundwork is required, so this is a benefit. This is also cheaper, and both vertical and horizontal systems are great renewable sources.

Vertical ground source heat pumps require a lot less space than its horizontal counterpart meaning it is more accessible if you do not have a lot of landmass. Overall a GSHP has an annual running cost average of £975.

Benefits of Ground Source Heat Pumps

Installing ground source heat pumps come with a number of long term benefits:

• Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – You may be eligible for an upfront grant of £7,500 to help reduce installation costs.
• Space Saving - No need for mains gas or visible outdoor equipment, saving space inside and outside your home.
• Money Saving - Without any use of fossil fuels, running costs are much lower, and can save you money on heating bills.
• No Risk of Combustion - The use of renewable heat sources without any gas, eliminates the risk of gas leaks or explosions.

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Ground Source Heat Pump Installations

A new ground source heat pump (GSHP) doesn't generally require planning permission, unless you live in a listed building or conservation area. However, it’s still best to double check with your local council to avoid unexpected issues or costs. If planning permission is required, you may be charged around £206, depending on location.

Even though planning permission isn’t needed, your GSHP must comply with building regulations. Consulting a local MCS-certified installer is recommended to ensure the installation meets all safety and efficiency standards.

Ground Source Heat Pump Removal Cost

Much like the installation, the DIY option is very much advised against. A professional should be called to remove this, as the same risks apply to the installation.

The removal will require more groundwork to remove the system, and then the system will need to be replaced, so it could end up costing a lot more in the long run.

The labour costs will be at least the same as the installation, if not more, as more work needs to be done.

Checklist: Ground Source Heat Pump Installations in the UK

Consider the following key points when hiring a tradesmen to install a ground source heat pump:

1. Have you requested multiple quotes? It's recommended to ask for at least three comparative quotes. By searching online with MyJobQuote, you can find local tradesmen with experience in installing ground source heat pumps without any further commitments.
2. Have you checked their previous work? Contractors with a strong online presence will generally have an online portfolio or website, allowing you to review their previous heat pump installations. Always ask for examples of their most recent work.
3. Do they have positive online reviews? Check their social media pages for any comments, and visit their MyJobQuote profile for reviews and feedback from past customers. This is an ideal way to vet them before hiring any company or local tradesmen.
4. Are they appropriately insured? While not a legal requirement, it's always best to make sure that any tradesmen or company working on your home have at least public liability insurance to protect both parties from any injury or accidental damage.
5. Are they able to provide a breakdown of installation costs? As well as the initial quote, you should ask for installation costs to be listed individually. This can vary based on factors such as your chosen heating distribution system, the heat pump unit itself, and whether any underground pipework is required.
6. Is waste removal included? When installing a ground loop system, waste removal should already be included within the quote. However, it is worth checking that it’s part of the installation costs to avoid any unexpected extras.
7. How many workmen will be at your property? Check how many tradesmen to expect during installation. Not only is this likely to influence labour fees, but it will also help you understand the scale of the job.
8. Will they apply for any grants on your behalf? If you qualify, most ground source heat pump installers will be able to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme on your behalf, potentially saving you up to £7,500 (England and Wales only).

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