Differences between ground source heat pumps and air-to-water heat pumps

Differences between ground source heat pumps and air-to-water heat pumps

Air-to-water heat pump or ground source heat pump? We will briefly go over the differences between the two.

  • The air-to-water heat pump has a unit on the outside of the house that draws energy from the outside air. In this case, you need both an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. However, no drilling or digging is needed. The pump provides full output down to -20 degrees.

    The outdoor unit requires minimal maintenance, but it is important that the air can circulate freely around it. The price for installation is lower than for ground source heating. Multiple pumps can be used in parallel if more output is needed. 

  • Ground source heating extracts energy from the rock, about 200 metres down via a drilled energy hole. It produces a lot of energy and works well in the northern parts of Sweden. It doesn't work as well  on Gotland, for example, and other areas with lower groundwater levels and calcareous rock. Drilling requires permission from the municipality. 

"A common feature of heat pumps is that the energy is renewable and that they can significantly reduce your heating costs. The only environmental impact is the electricity needed to run the compressor and circulation pumps, among other elements," says CTC's heat pump expert Peter Lydén.

How do I know which is right for me?

"Different options can be "right" for the same houses, and it depends on factors such as where you live, the plot's conditions, bedrock and more. It also depends on your current heating solution. If you have an expensive heating solution, for example, ground source heating can pay off quickly, even if you have to dig. The aesthetic aspect can also be important as to whether you want an outdoor unit or not."

Any tips when deciding on a quote?

"It's important not only to think about the installation cost, but also to look ahead and consider the investment over time," says Peter.

What kind of help can I get in making a choice?

"At CTC, we have a network of installers and dealers to handle sales. In total, we have 300 partners across the country who are happy to advise you. You can get a home visit free of charge as well as a personalised recommendation based on your individual needs. You will see clearly what options are available, what they cost and what can save you the most money in the long run."

Interested in a cost calculation?

Please contact a CTC Partner and book a free home visit. You will receive a recommendation on which heat pump is suitable for your house. The price varies depending on the model and installation.

Published: 2019-05-14