Ground Sourced Heating And Cooling

Ground sourced heat pumps are even more efficient and economical

Leverage the earth's thermal stability to decrease running costs year round.

Experienced Professional Installers

Hydronic Underfloor Heating And Cooling
New Build Or Retro Fit

We can retrofit existing buildings or add value to your new home build

Safe Underfloor Heating For all Floor Types

Underfloor Heating Is Safe For You, Your Kids, Pets And Your Floor Materials

Research shows underfloor heating is good for health and safe for pets and little ones.

Ground sourced heat transfer, also known as ground sourced heat pumps, are a form of heat pump that works by using the ground as a source of heating or cooling. While air temperature changes from season to season, 2 - 5 metres underground the temperature remains relatively stable.

In summer, when the air is hot, the ground will be cooler and air can be passed through pipes in the ground to cool it down. In winter, when the air temperature is cold, the ground is warmer, and air passed through pipes in the ground can be warmed up.

The warming or cooling effect of the air being passed through underground pipes might be enough on its own to provide air at the desired temperature. If it isn't, compression and refrigerants can be used to get the desired temperature, so much of the work of heating or cooling the pumped air is already done, reducing cost and energy usage.

A diagram of a house with pipes under it going into the ground - Saving energy and money

🌍 How Ground Sourced Heating Works

Ground Temperature Stability

  • Ground temperature remains constant 8-12°C year-round below 2m depth
  • Surface temperatures vary dramatically from -5°C to 30°C
  • This temperature difference is the key to system efficiency

System Operation

  • Closed-loop system circulates antifreeze solution through buried pipes
  • Heat pump extracts ground heat and amplifies it for home heating
  • Refrigeration cycle concentrates low-grade ground heat into usable warmth
  • Same system can provide cooling in summer by rejecting heat to ground

Efficiency Rating: 400% (COP 4.0)

🌡️ Year-Round Performance Comparison

The strength of ground sourced heat exchangers, like ground sourced heat pumps, is their ability to leverage the difference between ground temperature and air temperature, to provide a head start on the cooling or heating process.

  • Air sourced heat pumps use the air they are pumping into the house as their source, creating temperature change through compression and heat exchange.
  • Ground sourced heat pumps, collect air, then pump it underground to cool or heat through natural heat exchange with the gorund, then add compression to cool or heat the air.

The ground provides a free source of heat or cooling to do most of the work, resulting in energy and cost reduction.

Season Air Temperature Ground Temperature System Advantage
❄️ Winter -5°C to 10°C 10°C Stable heat source when most needed
🌸 Spring 5°C to 20°C 10°C Consistent efficiency during variable weather
☀️ Summer 15°C to 30°C 12°C Can reverse for cooling via ground rejection
🍂 Autumn 5°C to 20°C 11°C Stable performance as air temperatures drop

💰 Cost & Efficiency Benefits

Hydronic systems are efficient, and compared to wood or fuel based heating systems, deliver outstanding increases in energy efficiency and cost benefits. Go ground source heating and those benefits are even bigger.

Operating Costs

  • 70-80% less energy consumption than conventional heating
  • Stable running costs independent of fuel price fluctuations
  • Low maintenance requirements reduce ongoing expenses

Installation Considerations

  • Higher upfront investment offset by operational savings
  • Government grants and incentives often available
  • Professional ground assessment ensures optimal performance
  • Integration with existing hydronic systems possible
A house connected to ground sourced heating - saving money and energy
An info graphic showing pipes going into the ground and temperature changing from air temperature of 30 degrees to 12 degrees.

🔧 Technical Specifications

Here are a few of the items and requirements you will need to consider if you want to have underfloor heating or use ground sourced heat transfer systems.

Ground Loop Options

  • Horizontal loops: Requires larger land area, easier installation
  • Vertical boreholes: Compact footprint, higher efficiency
  • Pond/lake loops: Most efficient where water source available

System Components

  • Ground source heat pump unit (indoor installation)
  • Ground loop collector (buried pipes)
  • Hydronic distribution system (underfloor heating)
  • Hot water cylinder with backup heating
  • Smart control system with zoning capability

Maintenance Requirements

  • Annual system check and fluid top-up
  • 5-year refrigerant system service
  • Ground loop requires no maintenance (25+ year warranty)
  • Filter changes and basic monitoring only

Get In Contact

At Canterbury Heat Pumps Ltd (CHP), we are ready to bring cleaner, greener, and more cost-effective heating solutions to your property. Whether you're looking for a brand-new system or need an upgrade, we offer the expertise and service to keep your space comfortable year-round.

Get in touch with us today for a free consultation, and see how we can help you save energy and costs with our hydronic heating systems!

Get in Touch with Us

We are located in Christchurch, New Zealand

Show Room:
729 Elgin Street
Sydenham
Christchurch 8023
Phone: (+64) 21 668 788
Email: info@canheat.nz

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