Water Source Heat Pumps

A water source heat pumps system produces heat in a similar way to ground source systems.

A system of flexible pipework containing fluid is submerged in a river, stream or lake. The fluid is pumped around the system and absorbs heat from the surrounding water as it passes through the pipes. The fluid is passed through a compressor which raises it to a higher temperature which can be used to warm water for underfloor heating systems, or stored in a conventional hot water cylinder or thermal store.

The cooled fluid passes back into the water where it absorbs the heat again in a constant process. Water source heat pumps are an ideal way of providing heat throughout the year as water temperature remains at a relatively constant temperature between 7 and 12 degrees though they do tend to cost more to install that air source heat pumps.

Water source heat pumps are virtually silent and have no visible external units and for properties near a suitable water source offer an attractive alternative to a ground source system.

As with all heat pumps they have some impact on the environment as they need electricity to run however they produce 3-5 times more renewable energy than the electricity that they use.

The Cost of Water Source Heat Pump

A fully installed water source heat pump system can cost anything from £7,000 to £10,000 + vat.

Costs do vary depending on the size of the building and your heating needs. Sizes range from 6-16kw on single phase electrical supply.