How does the ground source heat pump drilling process work?

Ground source heat pumps have been making headlines for over a decade now. In recent years, they’ve become increasingly efficient, and thanks to a number of government incentives, quite affordable. 

One of the biggest logistical and financial hurdles associated with having a ground source heat pump installed is the drilling process. It can help to have a better understanding of that process, which is why we’ve outlined it below, from the initial consultation and survey to complete system integration.

Initial consultation & survey

The first stage will be to have a geological survey conducted. This will consist of a number of tests being carried out on the ground that needs to be drilled into, to allow a thorough assessment of thermal capacity, stability, and logistical factors such as drill bit requirements. 

You will then have a consultation based on the findings of the survey and your heating needs. Your heating needs will be based on the ambient outside temperature, the size of the properties that need heating, and how well insulated they are.

Drilling

Once you know what it is that’s being drilled into and have a thorough understanding of how these impact your heating needs, the drilling can start. 

A drilling rig will be moved onto the premises, which will be able to bore at a rate of 50-100 vertical metres per day. As a result, the drilling should be completed in a single day.

This will often be the most expensive part of the ground-source heat pump installation process, and it’s important that you choose a competent drilling provider with plenty of experience. 

Loop installation 

Once the hole has been drilled, the loop will need to be installed. This will often be made from high-density polyethylene, a durable plastic that can last for decades. 

Grouting will be installed around the loop, to ensure the maximally efficient transfer of heat between the ground and the water-antifreeze mix contained in the loop, and to ensure that it remains stable and resistant to minor geological shifts. 

System integration

Once the hole has been drilled and the loop installed, it can finally be linked up to a heat pump. This will be one of the simplest parts of the process – the loop will need to be filled with water and antifreeze, and then connected via manifolds. 

A number of tests may need to be done to ensure that all of the connections are secure and leak-proof, and then you’re good to go. The loops itself can last from between 50 and 100 years, so long as they’re installed properly, while the heat pump unit may last for closer to 20-25 years, similar to the lifespan of a gas boiler.

Getting a ground source heat pump installed can seem like a big undertaking, but with assistance from a competent drilling provider, it shouldn’t be too difficult at all. Based on the findings of a thorough geological survey, the rest of the project can often be completed in as little as a single week.