Ground source heat pumps are perfect for domestic projects such as new-builds, refurbishments, barn conversions and heating replacements. They deliver domestic heating and hot water all year round.

Ground source heat pumps are perfect for domestic projects such as new-builds, refurbishments, barn conversions and heating replacements. They deliver domestic heating and hot water all year round.
A heat pump is ideal for self-builds because it’s a fit-and-forget technology that is low-carbon and simple to use.
Easily integrating with your preferred controls, heating distribution system or other renewable technology, a heat pump can be as smart or as simple as you like. Unlike fossil fuel heating systems, a Kensa heat pump doesn’t need servicing and requires minimal maintenance over its 20-year design life.
Kensa’s MCS-accredited heat pumps save homeowners money on heating bills, with highly efficient products, such as the Evo ground source heat pump, producing much more energy than they consume. The higher the heat pump’s efficiency, the more likely you are to receive maximum income from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
With the Domestic RHI extending to March 2022, there’s never been a better time to invest in a ground source heat pump. The Domestic RHI’s proposed successor, the Clean Heat Grant, will potentially provide an upfront grant of up to £4,000 – much less than a seven-year RHI income of up to £28,000.
Ground source heat pumps can reduce heating bills by 40 – 50% compared to oil and LPG.
Owners of heat pumps qualify for a seven-year income under the Domestic RHI (single buildings) or up to 20 years of income under the Non-Domestic RHI (multiple buildings).
Experience little to no disruption over the heat pump’s 20-year design life, with low maintenance and no need for annual servicing.
Heat pumps are non-combustible. They reduce households’ CO² emissions to achieve a greener and cleaner future for years to come.
Heat pumps are suitable for both new-builds and retrofit installations in existing homes, improving energy efficiency.
Unlike air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps don’t usually require planning permission. That’s one less thing to worry about during a build or renovation.
Kensa manufactures some of the best heat pumps for homes on the market, with every system designed and built in the UK specifically for British properties.
Get a heat pump quoteThe UK government plans to ban gas in new-build homes from 2025. By using a ground source heat pump for domestic heating, you’re preparing for the eco-friendly building techniques in the zero-carbon future ahead. This is a vital step for reducing the UK’s carbon emissions.
Looking to replace an old oil boiler, direct electric heating, or move away from gas? From listed properties to barn conversions, a ground source heat pump is a great choice if you are replacing an old heating system. It’s a long-term, low-cost and energy-efficient heating alternative.
The best ground source heat pump installations in existing homes have insulation improvements, as this heightens the efficiency of a heat pump by roughly 2% for every 1°C reduction in heat load. Homes can also upgrade the heating distribution systems, for example, installing larger radiators for the heat pump’s low-flow temperature.
If you have exhausted the possible energy efficiency improvements for your home and it still has an Energy Performance Certificate of D or lower, do not despair. The vast majority of Kensa heat pumps in British properties are in homes much like yours, with thousands of happy customers just like Richard:
Read the retrofit storyI would definitely advise other people thinking of installing a ground source heat pump to pair it with underfloor heating. It saves replacing radiators, and is more design friendly, removing pipework and freeing up space in rooms.
Installing a Kensa ground source heat pump is similar to installing a standard boiler. Our heat pump systems are specifically designed to be installed in British properties without the need for specialist training. Any competent builder or plumber is capable of installing one.
Much like the heat pump, it is critical that your installer is Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited to ensure the system is eligible to receive Renewable Heat Incentive payments.
I love the technology – the idea of harnessing free heat from the ground is so simple and Kensa’s kit is top of the range. I often show visitors our heat pump unit and they are blown away by the efficiency and simplicity of our heating system. I’m really pleased with how it’s working.Richard Waterstone, Homeowner
Smart metering has given rise to dynamic tariffs, where consumers are charged different prices for electricity at different times of the day. This means you can save even more on your heating bills with a ground source heat pump.
By using smart controls that learn your heating preferences and your property’s heat physics, it is possible to avoid the peak times of strain on the electricity grid. Your ground source heat pump can shift heat load to the times when the grid can best accommodate it – when there is lower carbon and lower-cost electricity.
For instance, your heat pump will turn on when there is extra capacity in the grid and turn off when the grid is under strain. Modelling has shown this could save households 25 – 40% on running costs.
Ground source heat pumps are better at load shifting than air source heat pumps. This is because the ground remains a stable temperature 24/7, while air source heat pumps reduce in efficiency when the outside air temperature is colder, typically at night. The grid generally has most excess capacity overnight.
If you combine energy storage with your heat pump, it is possible to reduce peak demand even further.
See other smart ways to use your heat pumpCertain variables will determine how much a heat pump costs for a house. These include:
The more efficient your home is, the lower your heat demands. The effectiveness of insulation and other energy efficiency measures will determine the heat pump you need, its capacity and how much your bills could cost.
The heat sources for boreholes, slinky pipes and pond mats all vary in size, price and efficiency.
The heat collector you have installed will depend on your home’s location. For example, you can use pond mats if your home is within 100m of a water source, or you might need boreholes if you have minimal garden space.
Underfloor heating is typically cheaper because the heat is spread across a larger surface area, but larger radiators can also be effective.
Use our heat pump pricing toolThis example is based on a single property connected to a 13kW Kensa Evo ground source heat pump with a slinky ground array:
If your property has multiple buildings or outhouses, individual ground source heat pumps inside each building can be linked to a Shared Ground Loop Array. This not only reduces groundwork costs but also qualifies you for the Non-Domestic RHI.
This example is based on four Evo heat pumps all connected by a Shared Ground Loop Array with slinky heat collectors:
Best heat pump for: small, space-limited properties
As a small and quiet heating system, the pioneering Shoebox is the best heat pump for homes and flats. The Shoebox is perfect if you’re seeking an affordable ground source heat pump for domestic hot water and heating in a property with limited space. It’s designed to be installed in a kitchen cabinet or an airing cupboard.
Shoebox heat pump efficiency: rated A+ in Energy-related Product (ErP) performance
See the Shoebox seriesBest heat pump for: energy efficiency
The Evo heat pump is the best heat pump for homes aspiring for optimal energy efficiency performance. Its intelligent system manager and touch screen controls make managing your heating clear and simple, whilst constantly analysing your heat pump’s performance.
Domestic heat pump efficiency: rated A++ in ErP performance
See the Evo seriesI loved the service I received from Kensa; they gave me lots of information and constant support. They went above and beyond in terms of the customer service.
If I was to offer advice to anyone thinking of installing a ground source heat pump, I would say don’t hesitate, but definitely talk to Kensa – they are experts and know what they’re doing.Mr Lester, Homeowner
When Keith Clarke and his family moved into a spacious Grade II listed farmhouse in Cambridge, he replaced the old, inefficient gas boiler with a Kensa ground source heat pump. As River House had a high heat load, Kensa’s 24kW Twin Compact, our largest single-phase ground source heat pump, was chosen to meet the demand for heating and hot water.
See the retrofit case studyAfter designing and building his contemporary home, Jason wanted his heating and domestic hot water to be sustainable. A ground source heat pump was the answer.
Explore the financial and environmental advantages of a heat pump for Jason and his home.
Read Jason’s eco house storyWith his home off the gas grid and right by the sea, Rory was looking for a renewable heating alternative. The trouble was, salty air could corrode a system like an air source heat pump. His best option was a ground source heat pump – which continues to heat his home and help the earth.
Read Rory’s case studyGo underground and enjoy the benefits of ground source heat pumps! Packed full of useful information, this guide contains everything you need to know about ground source heat pumps for renovation and self build projects. Download and save this guide Simply click the below link to download our guide to ground source in self builds: Download…
Our Commercial Director Chris Davis gives top tips on how self-builders can make the most of the RHI.
Ground Source Review: Llanishen House. Formerly a Medieval inn, Llanishen House situated in the Monmouthshire countryside has two Kensa ground source heat pumps installed; a 24kW Twin in the expertly renovated main house; and a 9kW Evo for the soon-to-be converted granary. The first heat pump system uses coiled slinky pipes, whilst the second uses boreholes…
Ground Source Review: Gwylfan-y-Glaerwen, Llansteffan. A magnificent building housing cutting-edge and innovative use of renewable technologies, with stunning sea and estuary views set in eight acres of wild flower meadows with a large sunken walled garden, designed and owned by international fashion and textile artists, Charles and Patricia Lester.
Get to grips with ground source This blog post offers top tips for self-builders and renovators considering integrating a ground source heat pump into a building to help ensure optimum efficiencies, resulting in lower emissions, lower running costs and high financial returns through the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). 1. Peak Load Ground source heat…
Ground Source Review: Eastwinds. In 2014, the Hartley’s decided to build a brand new 322m² eco-home featuring a Kensa ground source heat pump and solar panels. The family were filmed for More4’s Building the Dream programme, which aired on 14th April 2015.
Ground Source Review: Woodcott, Warwickshire. The ground source heat pump heating Alistair Mackintosh’s luxurious modern new-build property is one of Kensa’s largest domestic installations to date.