As the shift towards low-carbon living steadily increases in pace, more people are exploring renewable ways to heat their homes. Geothermal heating is quickly becoming a popular choice as a smart, sustainable option for homes and businesses alike.
But what exactly is a geothermal system, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.
So what is a geothermal heating system?
Geothermal heating systems, which are also known as ground-source heat pumps, harness the natural warmth stored in the ground beneath our feet. Whilst the air above ground can fluctuate with the seasons, the temperature underground stays remarkably consistent all year round. That steady warmth is the key to efficient, reliable heating.
These systems use a network of buried pipes to absorb this energy and deliver it into your home for heating and hot water. It’s a clever, proven way to make the most of nature’s own renewable heat source.
How does geothermal heating work?
We like to keep things simple. So here’s how a typical geothermal system works, step by step.
1. Heat is absorbed from the ground
A loop of pipes (often filled with a water and antifreeze mix) is buried in your garden or outdoor space. As the liquid flows through the loop, it absorbs low-level heat from the surrounding soil.
2. The heat pump boosts the temperature
This heat is transferred into your home via a ground-source heat pump. The pump compresses the captured heat to raise the temperature, ready to be used for heating and hot water.
3. Your home is warmed
The heat is then distributed around your home through radiators, underfloor heating or your hot water system. After transferring its warmth, the cooled liquid is sent back out into the ground to collect more heat, and the cycle continues.
It’s an efficient, low-carbon way to heat your home and once it’s up and running, it requires very little intervention.
How it compares - geothermal vs. air-source heat pumps
Many providers (such as Oakray) offer both air-source and ground-source heat pumps, depending on what’s right for your home. Whilst both are excellent low-carbon choices, there are a few differences to be aware of.
|
Feature |
Ground-Source (Geothermal) |
Air-Source Heat Pump |
|
Heat source |
Consistent underground warmth |
Outside air temperature |
|
Efficiency |
Very high, even in winter |
Slightly less efficient in colder weather |
|
Installation |
Needs garden space and excavation |
Compact and easy to install |
|
Noise |
Quiet and unobtrusive |
Can be slightly noisier |
|
Running costs |
Very low |
Low |
|
Upfront cost |
Higher (but supported by grants) |
Lower initial cost |
Why homeowners choose geothermal
Choosing a ground-source heat pump comes with a host of benefits.
- Efficient year-round: Because the ground stays warm even when the air doesn’t, geothermal systems keep your home cosy in all seasons.
- Low carbon, low cost: They use a small amount of electricity to run, but deliver much more heat in return, often reducing your heating bills and carbon footprint at the same time.
- A long-lasting solution: Ground loops can last over 50 years, and the heat pump itself typically runs for around 20–25 years with minimal maintenance.
- Great support available: With incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you could receive up to £7,500 towards the installation of a ground-source heat pump.
Geothermal heating systems also work seamlessly with your home, energy use and future plans. A dedicated installation team can design a bespoke solution that integrates geothermal heating, solar panels battery storage and smart controls
Together, these technologies form a complete whole-house energy system, helping you reduce your reliance on the grid and take real control of your energy use.
Ready to explore your options?
Geothermal heating is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to warm your home. By tapping into the steady heat stored beneath the ground, these systems offer year-round comfort, low running costs, and significant carbon savings.
At Oakray, we design smart, integrated energy solutions tailored to your home and your goals. From geothermal heating and solar panels to battery storage and smart controls, we make it easy to decarbonise with confidence. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, from planning to installation and beyond.
Want to see what’s possible? Download our guide to explore the full range of technologies and services to help transform your home into a low-carbon, energy-efficient space.
