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myGround Source Heat Pump Cost
At a Glance
- The average ground source heat pump costs around £25,000 in the UK, before the £7,500 government grant.
- Most standard jobs take around 6 working days to complete.
- Ground source heat pump installation costs for 2026 based on system size and type of ground loop system.
- How long a ground source heat pump installation takes and the process involved.
- How to find and hire a ground source heat pump installer with MyJobQuote.
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£25,000
Table of Contents
- How Much Does a Ground Source Heat Pump Cost?
- Ground Source Heat Pump Price List
- What Size Ground Source Heat Pump Do I Need?
- Supply Cost of a Ground Source Heat Pump
- Ground Source Heat Pump Installer Cost and Timescales
- Ground Source Heat Pump Running Costs
- Factors That Impact Ground Source Heat Pump Costs
- What's Involved in Installing a Ground Source Heat Pump?
- Types of Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Grants for Installing a Ground Source Heat Pump
- Benefits of Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Disadvantages of a Ground Source Heat Pump
- Ground Source Heat Pump Removal Cost
- Checklist: Hiring Ground Source Heat Pump Installations in the UK
- FAQs
How Much Does a Ground Source Heat Pump Cost?
The average ground source heat pump (GSHP) costs around £25,000, with most installed systems costing between £16,000 and £38,000. The final price depends mainly on the system output, the ground loop type, and how much groundwork is needed.
As a rough guide, an 8kW ground source heat pump usually suits a typical, well-insulated 3 or 4 bedroom home. An 11kW system is better suited to larger homes, older properties, or households with higher heating and hot water demand.
Horizontal ground source heat pumps are usually cheaper because the ground loop is laid in shallow trenches. Vertical ground source heat pumps cost more because they need boreholes, specialist drilling equipment, and more complex groundwork.
What type of heating system are you currently using?
Gas boiler
17 votes - 63%63% of votes
Oil boiler
4 votes - 15%15% of votes
Electric boiler
0 votes - 0%0% of votes
Other renewable system
4 votes - 15%15% of votes
I don't have central heating
2 votes - 7%7% of votes
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Can a heat pump installer evaluate whether my home will benefit from a heat pump (including the annual costs and savings involved)?
"After heat loss calculation of the property, it's possible for an installer to predict annual usage for electrics (price of KWh are changing so it’s hard to predict annuals costs). It'll depend on your home (how well insulated is it) and what’s current state and type of your existing central heating."
Ground Source Heat Pump Price List
Horizontal ground source heat pumps use shallow trenches to lay the ground loop system. They usually suit homes with a larger garden or open outdoor area.
Vertical ground source heat pumps use deeper boreholes, so they can work better on smaller plots. They usually cost more because the drilling and groundwork are more complex.
Horizontal Ground Source Heat Pump Cost
The following prices include supply and installation, along with the added costs of any groundwork preparation (which can significantly increase the final cost).
| GSHP Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 8kW | £16,000 |
| 11kW | £20,500 |
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Vertical Ground Source Heat Pump Cost
Now let's look at the typical cost for supply and installation of vertical ground source heat pumps.
| GSHP Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 8kW | £22,000 |
| 11kW | £25,500 |
| 16kW+ (larger home, 2 to 3 boreholes) | £30,000–£38,000 |
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You can expect to pay more if your home needs more than one borehole, but this will depend on the home's heat demand and ground conditions. As a guide, borehole drilling is charged by depth at £4,000 to £6,000 per 100 metres.
What Size Ground Source Heat Pump Do I Need?
The size, or output, of your ground source heat pump is one of the main things that decides how much you'll pay. Output is measured in kilowatts (kW), and it reflects how much heat the system can supply to your home. The right size depends on several factors, including the size of your property, how well insulated it is, and your hot water demand.
Most domestic systems fall between 8kW and 16kW. As a general guide:
- 8kW — Suits a typical, well-insulated 3 or 4 bedroom home. One of the most common UK sizes.
- 11kW — Better for larger or older homes, or those with a higher hot water demand.
- 16kW and Above — For very large or poorly insulated homes with a high heat demand.
A bigger system costs more upfront and may need more ground loop pipework, trenching, or borehole depth. A 16kW or larger system typically costs £30,000 to £38,000 installed, although the final price depends on how many boreholes the property needs.
An installer will carry out a heat loss calculation to recommend the correct output, rather than simply guessing from the number of bedrooms.
Supply Cost of a Ground Source Heat Pump
If you'd like to compare supply-only prices, the table below shows the typical cost of the equipment without installation. The UK average is around £1,350 per kW. The groundwork and fitting should always be left to a professional, which we cover later in this guide.
| Capacity (kW) | Supply Costs |
|---|---|
| 8kW | £11,000 |
| 11kW | £15,000 |
| 16kW | £21,500 |
| 35kW | £47,500 |
| 46kW | £62,000 |
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Larger systems, such as 35kW and 46kW ground source heat pumps, are usually for very large or non-standard properties. These are normally quoted case by case because the system design and groundwork can vary significantly.
Ground Source Heat Pump Installer Cost and Timescales
How much does it cost to hire a local ground source heat pump installer?
Most of the labour on a ground source heat pump installation comes from the groundwork, as this is where the ground loop is buried. Horizontal systems use trenches and are quicker and cheaper to install, while vertical systems need boreholes drilled into the ground, which takes longer and adds to the cost.
The table below shows typical labour and groundwork costs, along with rough timescales for each type of installation. Most standard jobs are completed in around 6 working days.
| Type | Labour Cost | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal | £8,000–£10,000 | 4 to 6 days |
| Vertical | £12,000–£15,000 | 5 to 8 days |
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Groundwork makes up most of the timescale. The trenches or boreholes are dug first, which can take 1 to 2 days, followed by laying the pipework and connecting the heat pump to your heating system, which usually takes another 3 to 4 days.
When comparing quotes, check that they cover the same work. The amount of groundwork, whether the borehole depth has been surveyed or only estimated, and whether the heat pump unit is included can all vary between installers.
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Ground Source Heat Pump Running Costs
Ground source heat pumps can be relatively efficient to run, producing around 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity they use. Your annual running costs will depend on the system size, heat loss, heating controls, and electricity tariff.
As a rough guide, a ground source heat pump costs around £975 a year to run, though this varies depending on your home. The table below compares typical running costs for different system sizes and heating options:
| Heating System | Typical Annual Running Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8kW ground source heat pump | £850–£975 | Typical for a well-insulated 3 or 4 bedroom home |
| 11kW ground source heat pump | £975–£1,200 | Typical for larger homes or higher heat demand |
| Air source heat pump | £900–£1,250 | Often similar, but can be slightly higher in cold weather |
| Modern gas boiler | £950–£1,300 | Depends heavily on gas and electricity prices |
| Oil or LPG boiler | £1,100–£1,800 | Older systems are usually more expensive to run |
| Direct electric heating | £1,700–£2,500+ | Often one of the most expensive heating options |
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Compared with an air source heat pump, a ground source heat pump can be slightly more efficient because underground temperatures are more stable than outdoor air temperatures. However, ground source systems usually cost more to install.
How much you save depends on the system you're replacing. Savings are usually strongest when switching from direct electric heating, LPG, or an older oil boiler. Savings compared with a modern gas boiler are usually smaller and depend on the gap between electricity and gas prices.
Payback times vary because they depend on the installation cost, grant eligibility, electricity tariff, insulation level, and how much heat your home uses. The grants covered below can reduce the upfront cost, which may help shorten the payback period.
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.
- System Output — Higher-output GSHP systems cost more because they need a larger unit and may need more ground loop pipework.
- Ground Loop Type — Horizontal ground loops are usually cheaper, while vertical borehole systems cost more because they need specialist drilling.
- Ground Conditions — Rocky soil, drainage issues, or limited outdoor space can make trenching or borehole drilling more expensive.
- Location of Property — Labour rates and installer availability vary across the UK. Harder-to-access properties may also cost more if equipment, drilling machinery, or materials are difficult to move onto site.
- Property Insulation — Poorly insulated homes lose more heat, so you may need a larger system or insulation upgrades such as loft insulation for the GSHP to run efficiently.
- Heating Distribution — For a ground source heat pump to work well, some homes may need heating system changes, such as replacing radiators with larger models, installing underfloor heating, or fitting a new hot water cylinder.
Is it safe and effective to use a heat pump with underfloor heating?
"Yes, a ground or air source heat pump can be used for underfloor heating, hot water, and radiators if required."
What's Involved in Installing a Ground Source Heat Pump?
Installing a ground source heat pump isn't a DIY job. It's a highly skilled task that involves electrical work, pipework, and major groundwork, with risks ranging from electric shock to flooding. Done incorrectly, it can also reduce the efficiency of your ground loop and may invalidate your warranty or grant eligibility.
It's always best to use an experienced professional certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and to compare a few quotes before going ahead. With the help of MyJobQuote, you can find local ground source heat pump installers in your area for fast, free quotes with no 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 installers can apply for available grants, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, on your behalf to help reduce the cost (see the grants section below).
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 ground source 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
There are 2 main types of ground source heat pump, and the right one for you depends largely on how much outdoor space you have. Both draw heat from the ground and work all year round, but they differ in cost and the amount of groundwork needed.
Horizontal Ground Source Heat Pump
Horizontal systems lay the ground loop in shallow trenches dug across your garden. They're the cheaper and more common option, but they need a fair amount of open land, often 2 to 3 times the floor area of your home.
Pros
- ✔ Lower installation and groundwork costs.
- ✔ No specialist drilling needed.
- ✔ Good for homes with garden space.
Cons
- ✖ Needs a large area of open ground.
- ✖ Not suited to small or built-up plots.
Typical installed cost: £16,000 to £20,500, depending on the size of the system.
Vertical Ground Source Heat Pump
Vertical systems use boreholes drilled deep into the ground rather than trenches. They take up far less space, which makes them a good fit for smaller properties, but the extra drilling makes them more expensive.
Pros
- ✔ Needs much less land.
- ✔ Ideal where space is limited.
- ✔ Stable year round performance.
Cons
- ✖ Higher cost from specialist drilling.
- ✖ More complex groundwork and access.
Typical installed cost: £22,000 to £38,000, depending on the size of the system.
For a hybrid heating system, is it better to have a ground source heat pump installed or an air source heat pump?
"This depends on the size of the heat loss for the property. Air source heat pumps are cheaper and can be set up on bi valent point (depending on the heat loss) so the heat pump will switch off at a set outside weather temperature and the secondary boiler will then take over the heating."
Grants for Installing a Ground Source Heat Pump
Several government grants can help cover the cost of installing a ground source heat pump, which can make a real difference to the upfront price.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) — £7,500 off a ground source heat pump in England and Wales through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. If your home is off the gas grid and currently heated by oil or LPG, the grant increases to £9,000 until 31 March 2027. Your MCS-certified installer applies for the grant on your behalf and deducts it from the price you pay.
- Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan — In Scotland, heat pump grant funding is available up to £7,500, or up to £9,000 with the rural uplift. You may also be able to take the rest as an optional interest-free loan.
New build properties aren't usually eligible, as these schemes are aimed at replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system. It's worth checking the latest eligibility rules with your installer, as grant amounts and deadlines can change.
Benefits of Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps offer a range of long term benefits:
- Lower Running Costs — High efficiency means lower energy bills than fossil fuel systems.
- Space Saving — No mains gas or visible outdoor unit needed.
- Low Maintenance — The buried ground loop needs little upkeep and lasts decades.
- Year Round Performance — Stable ground temperatures keep it working in cold weather.
- Lower Carbon Footprint — Cuts carbon emissions by avoiding fossil fuels.
- No Risk of Combustion — No gas burned on site, so no leak risk.
Disadvantages of a Ground Source Heat Pump
There are also some potential drawbacks to consider before installing a ground source heat pump:
- High Upfront Cost — Installing a ground source heat pump is a significant investment. How much of that cost you recover will depend on factors such as the heating system you are replacing and how much energy your home uses.
- Space and Access Requirements — Horizontal systems require enough outdoor space for the ground loop trenches. Vertical systems need less surface area, but suitable access is still required for specialist borehole drilling equipment.
- Disruptive Groundwork — Installing a horizontal system involves digging trenches across the property and typically takes 4 to 6 days. The affected ground may also need to be restored once the installation is complete.
- Home Upgrades — Ground source heat pumps work best in well-insulated properties. Some homes may also need larger radiators or a new hot water cylinder because heat pumps operate at a lower flow temperature.
- Not DIY-Friendly — The electrical work, pipework, and ground loop must be designed and connected as part of a professional installation to protect the system's performance, warranty, and grant eligibility.
- Limited Grant Eligibility — New build properties are not usually eligible for the available grant schemes. These schemes are generally intended for homes replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system.
Whether a ground source heat pump is worth it will depend on the heating system you're replacing, how well insulated your home is, and whether you have space for a horizontal ground loop.
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: Hiring Ground Source Heat Pump Installations in the UK
Consider the following key points when hiring tradespeople to install a ground source heat pump:
- Have you requested multiple quotes? It's recommended to ask for at least 3 comparative quotes. By searching online with MyJobQuote, you can find local tradesmen with experience in installing ground source heat pumps without any further commitments.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Are they MCS certified? If you plan to use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the installation must be completed by an MCS-certified installer. Check their certification before agreeing to the work.
- Will they carry out a heat loss survey? A professional installer should assess the heat loss of your property before recommending a system, as this ensures the heat pump is correctly sized for your home.
- Does the quote include any radiator or cylinder changes? Heat pumps operate at a lower flow temperature, so some homes may need larger radiators or a new hot water cylinder. Make sure any required upgrades are included in the quote.
- Does the quote cover garden restoration? Trenching and drilling can disturb lawns, paths, and planted areas. Check whether the cost of restoring them is included.
Do I need to use a specialist installer when getting a heat pump fitted?
"Heat pump installations are complex systems that require specialised knowledge and training to install correctly. It is essential to choose an experienced and qualified installer who is familiar with the specific type of heat pump that you need and who can advise you on the best options for your home."
FAQs
Do I Need Planning Permission to Install a GSHP?
In most cases, no. A ground source heat pump usually counts as permitted development, so there's no fee. The main exceptions are listed buildings and conservation areas, so check with your local council first. Where permission is needed, the fee is often around £205. Either way, your installation must still meet building regulations, which an MCS-certified installer will handle as part of the job.
Can I Install a Ground Source Heat Pump Myself?
Not in practice. A DIY install means you lose the £7,500 grant, which only applies to MCS-certified work, and you risk voiding the warranty. You can trim costs by arranging some of the groundwork in advance, but the system itself should always be fitted by a professional.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Ground Source Heat Pump?
Maintenance is low. An annual service usually costs around £200 to £350, and the buried ground loop needs very little attention and can last for decades. Keeping up with servicing protects efficiency and your warranty.
Are There Any Extra Costs to Budget for When Installing a Ground Source Heat Pump?
Possibly. Because heat pumps run at a lower flow temperature, some homes need larger radiators or a new hot water cylinder to get the best results, which adds to the cost. You may also need to factor in removing your old system. A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required to claim the grant.
How Much Outdoor Space Do I Need for a Ground Source Heat Pump?
This depends on the type of ground loop system. Horizontal ground source heat pumps need enough outdoor space for trenches, so they usually suit homes with a larger garden or open land. If you don't have enough space for a horizontal system, a vertical borehole system may be an option. This takes up less surface space but usually costs more because it needs specialist drilling.
How Long Will a Ground Source Heat Pump Last?
The average lifespan of a ground source heat pump is 15 to 20 years if the correct maintenance is performed.
Will a Ground Source Heat Pump Add Value to My Home?
It can. Lower running costs and an improved EPC rating may make a property more appealing to buyers, particularly as energy efficiency becomes more important. The exact effect on value varies depending on the property and the wider market.
