Blog>Cost Guides>Ground source heat pump: Cost breakdown 2026
Last updated: 1 July 2025
Ground source heat pump: Cost breakdown 2026
Installing ground source heat pumps have become more realistic with the introduction of grants to help homeowners afford this home improvement. Find out how much it costs to get a ground source heat pump installed in your home, and how much you could save in bills by installing one.
Fast Facts
The average cost of installing a ground source heat pump is between £18,000 - £50,000
Government grants available: Up to £7,500 with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Horizontal systems are cheaper to install than vertical ones
On average, it costs between £18,000 - £50,000 to install a ground source heat pump in the UK. This may sound like quite an investment, but government grants are available to support you. The grant available is through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), where you could be entitled to up to £7,500.
How much does ground source heat pump installation cost in 2026?
The table below shows a breakdown of the costs to install a ground source heat pump and the costs of the heat pump itself.
| Item | Range - Low | Range - High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground source heat pump supply & install (typically 4-12kW) | £12,000 | £30,000 | £14,000 |
| Options | |||
| (a) Horizontal ground loop (space dependent) | £6,000 | £14,000 | £10,000 |
| (b) Vertical bore holes | £10,000 | £20,000 | £15,000 |
| Options | |||
| (a) Upgrade to larger radiators (assume 10 in property) | £2,000 | £5,000 | £3,000 |
| (b) Underfloor heating | £5,000 | £15,000 | £10,000 |
| Insulation upgrades | |||
| Upgraded insulation – wall (assuming cavity wall insulation) | £500 | £3,000 | £2,000 |
| Upgraded insulation – roof (assuming blanket roll) | £500 | £2,000 | £1,500 |
| Upgraded insulation - floor | £1,000 | £5,000 (if floors are damaged and coverings need replacing) | £3,000 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
The initial cost of installing a ground source heat pump is relatively expensive when compared to standard boiler installation.
An average ground source heat pump installation cost for a typical, non-commercial house falls within the bracket of £18,000 - £50,000.
This is a reasonably safe estimate of the minimum and maximum costs, and the bracket covers various different-sized pumps and houses, plus groundwork requirements.
Around 50% of the total price covers the cost of equipment, while the rest covers the groundwork or drilling required to lay the heat exchange pipework and labour.
The Energy Saving Trust places the price of a typical GSHP system at around £28,000 (if your ground loop is buried in trenches).
Ground source heat pump cost: Job estimator tool
Use our job estimator tool below to help calculate how much you should pay for your ground source heat pump.
Need help working out cost? Our job estimate tool calculates the costs for you.
Cost of ground source heat pumps by type
Several factors affect the cost of installing a ground source heat pump, which we’ll outline shortly. First, let’s look at the cost of ground source heat pump installation by type.
There are two types of ground source heat pumps available: vertical ground source heat pumps and horizontal ground source heat pumps.
Since one is vertical and the other horizontal, the cost of installing them varies.
Cost of vertical ground source heat pumps
The cost of vertical ground source heat pumps is higher to install as they require a deeper borehole. This will need to be around 50-100 metres deep.
As a rough estimate, you'd be spending around £50 - £70 per metre to dig
Your overall cost will be about £5,000 - £7,000 per borehole
Since each borehole can generate 4kW, a 12kW system will require three boreholes, which is around £15,000, on average
When you add in the cost of the ground source heat pump and its installation, you're looking at somewhere between £18,000 - £50,000.
Cost of horizontal ground source heat pumps
Unlike their vertical counterparts, horizontal ground source installation costs are much lower. This is because they only require a borehole of between one and two metres deep. This has a huge impact on installation costs, but it does mean your property needs sufficient outdoor land.
Expect to spend anywhere between £18,000 and £44,000 for the heat pump and installation
Get a quote for the cost of your ground source heat pump installation
When comparing the two ground source heat pump types, always speak to a heat pump installer for guidance. View checked heat pump installer profiles, read customer reviews, and contact them directly to get a selection of quotes with Checkatrade. Search your postcode below to get started.
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Ground source heat pump installation prices UK
As we’ve mentioned, there are several expenses to take into account when planning for the cost of ground source heat pump installation. In addition to the cost of the equipment, groundworks, and labour, your total project cost could include any of the following. We’ve provided some ballpark figures for guidance:
Upgrading your property’s radiators: £3,000
Installing underfloor heating: £10,000
Upgrading cavity wall insulation: £2,000
Upgrading loft insulation: £1,500
Upgrading floor insulation: £3,000
Factors affecting the cost of ground source heat pumps
The total cost of your ground source heat pump will vary depending on:
Ground source heat pump type and complexity of the installation
Ground source heat pump size and output (big enough for your home)
COP (Coefficient of Performance)
Amount and level of heat needed
Heat source temperature (affects system size and efficiency)
Insulation (well-insulated homes require smaller systems)
The heat distribution system of your house
The amount and type of groundwork required for the installation - For example, an average 2-bedroom house might need a 4 kW heat pump, while a 4-bed home is best fitted with an 8 kW pump
How your heat exchange pipework will be laid down (horizontal, if space allows. Or for smaller properties, pipework will need to be buried in vertical boreholes, which is more expensive)
Browse checked tradespeople for your heat pump project
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Hidden costs to watch out for
Ground source heat pump installation is a significant investment, so it’s important to budget for all costs. Here are some of the less obvious costs to watch out for:
Electrical work - to connect the system to the fuse board
Planning permission - may be needed for some projects, e.g. listed properties
Ongoing maintenance and servicing
Temporary heating costs if the installation takes several days
Cost of hiring a tradesperson vs DIY
You may well be wondering if there’s a way to save money on the installation of a ground source heat pump (GSHP) by taking a DIY approach. While you can dig shallow trenches yourself to reduce labour costs, full GSHP installation must be carried out by a qualified heating engineer. Digging trenches yourself may save money, but vertical installations always require mechanical drilling for the boreholes and a suitable setup.
How much could you save by installing a ground source heat pump (GSHP)?
When you install a ground source heat pump, you can realistically save up to £1,200 - £2,000 per year on your heating bill when you replace an old electric system with a GSHP (Source: Energy Saving Trust. Based on November 2024 energy prices).
Switching from an old (G-rated) gas boiler to a heat pump will provide the smallest savings, around £550 per year.
Energy savings will depend on several key factors, including your existing heating system, the size of your property, and your new ground source heat pump system.
Swapping your old oil boiler for a GSHP will save you between £60 - £600 per year, while switching from coal to a heat pump can save up to £1,300.
The most significant savings can be gained from switching from electric heaters (about £1,200 - £2,000) or old LPG boilers (about £500 - £1,100). Newer A-rated heating systems are more cost-efficient and thus provide smaller savings, but a swap to a GSHP will still give a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
If you get a horizontal GSHP installed, you will see returns on your investment sooner than for a vertical GSHP because of the difference in installation costs.
| Costs involved | ASHP | GSHP | Gas Boiler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual running cost | £868 | £868 | £887 |
| Annual total benefit vs gas | £19 | £19 | N/A |
| Seven year benefit vs gas | £133 | £133 | N/A |
| Initial cost | £15,000 | £30,000 | N/A |
| Initial cost with Boiler Upgrade Scheme | £7,500 | £22,500 | N/A |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
The table provides some ballpark comparisons between ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), air source heat pumps (ASHPs), and gas boilers.
Tips to save even more with your GSHP installation
Combine a heat pump with solar
The real savings with changing from gas boilers to heat pumps are if you can combine heat pumps with solar panels and batteries
By combining your heat pump and solar, you can self-generate electricity to power the heat pump, rather than paying for electricity from the grid
If you remove your gas boiler
Another option is if you remove your gas boiler, do you need gas in your home anymore? For example, for a gas cooker, hobs, or fireplace?
If not, then you could explore disconnecting your gas supply. You won't have to pay the gas standing charge (currently 30p per day and £110 per year)
Financial support to install a ground source heat pump
Given the initial expense of a ground source heat pump, you’ll probably be keen to know whether there’s any financial support available to help with installation costs.
There are several financial grant support schemes in the UK to help with GSHP installation costs. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the most widely accessible.
The grant is available to UK homeowners and certain types of landlords
Under the scheme, the maximum funding available is £7,500 for air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps
Other grants are available depending on where you live in the UK and your financial situation. To find out if you're eligible for a grant, contact your local authority.
Considerations before installing a ground source heat pump
Installing a ground source heat pump is a considerable investment for any homeowner. Even with a grant, a large financial outlay will be required. You may also want to consider the efficiency of your new heating system and what's involved in the installation.
Some important things to think about before installing a ground source heat pump include:
The efficiency of your new heating system
The best type of GSHP for your home
Installation disruption and time scale
Installer experience and qualifications
This final point is perhaps the most important. If your GSHP is not properly installed, it could have a negative impact on your heating system's performance.
Book a checked tradesperson offering heat pump installation services with Checkatrade. Search your postcode to see who’s rated and reviewed in your area.
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Ground source heat pump cost checklist
Speak to checked ground source heat pump installation companies for their advice on the most suitable setup for your requirements
Review other green energy options, such as air source heat pumps, as the GSHP might not be best suited for your home
Look at the financial support available, e.g. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Your house will need to be well-insulated to get the greatest benefits of a heat pump
As a general rule, radiators for a heat pump system will need to be two and a half times larger than normal (say a gas combi boiler) to provide the same heat output
Always hire experienced tradespeople to install your ground source heat pump and ensure they're accredited to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
See checked tradespeople covering your local area and request a quote for your project. Enter your postcode in the box below to get started.
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Ground source heat pump cost: FAQs
Is a ground source heat pump worth it in the UK?
Yes. Although the initial costs are higher than other heating systems, you will make significant savings in the long run.
Government grants are also available to help with GSHP installation costs. These are part of the government's latest energy efficiency targets and are available to homeowners across the UK.
What are the benefits of installing a ground source heat pump?
There are a range of benefits of having a ground source heat pump installed in your home, such as:
A green energy solution that minimises impact on the environment
Minimal use of electricity to operate
Reduced energy bills
Eligible for financial support with the RHI scheme
Very low maintenance
What are the disadvantages of a GSHP?
The main disadvantages of installing a GSHP are:
Expensive to install
Additional costs may be involved post-installation
Installation can be disruptive
Not suitable for properties with small gardens
They can take up more space than other boilers
They may not be compatible with your existing radiators
Financial savings will not be seen immediately
How to find a good ground source heat pump installer?
Working with a skilled and experienced ground source heat pump installer is essential for a job done right. One of the best ways to find a good GSHP installer is to do your homework and read real reviews from real people.
Remember to source several quotes to compare prices too.
For extra peace of mind, you can contact through Checkatrade and find tradespeople covering your local area by using our free search tool.
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Can I install a ground source heat pump myself?
Ground source heat pumps should be installed by a fully qualified heating specialist. If you want to reduce installation costs, you may wish to dig the trenches for the heat pump installation.
This is a reasonably straightforward job for a horizontal ground source heat pump. For a vertical ground source heat pump, however, you'll probably need to hire a mechanical excavator.
Do you need planning permission to install a GSHP?
No. In most cases, ground source heat pumps are considered permitted development and will not require planning permission.
Can I get a grant for a ground source heat pump?
Yes. The government is currently running the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This is open to all UK homeowners.
The BUS could see you receive £7,500 towards your GSHP.
How much land is needed for a ground source heat pump?
The average GSHP will require between 600 and 1,200 square metres of land to install. The more powerful the GSHP, the more land you will need to lay the ground loops.
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