Ground Source Heat Pump Underfloor Heating in Bledlow

Underfloor Heating Project Overview

Heated Floors supplied and installed a complete wet underfloor heating system for a large home in Bledlow, Buckinghamshire. The underfloor heating was designed to work with two Kensa ground source heat pumps as part of a wider renewable energy project. The property was also fitted with solar panels and battery storage, helping the homeowner generate, store and use more of their own electricity.

Working alongside Heppelthwaite – Green Building Solutions, Heated Floors delivered the underfloor heating installation as part of a coordinated whole-home heating and energy system.

Underfloor Heating for Ground Source Heat Pumps

Underfloor heating and ground source heat pumps work particularly well together because both are suited to lower water temperatures. Traditional radiators release heat from a relatively small surface area and often require higher flow temperatures. Underfloor heating spreads warmth across the floor, allowing rooms to be heated evenly with lower-temperature water. This helps the ground source heat pumps operate more efficiently while creating a comfortable and consistent indoor temperature.

Heated Floors supplied and installed the underfloor heating pipework throughout the required areas of the property. The system was carefully planned to suit the layout of the home, the floor construction and the heat output required in each area.

Installing the Underfloor Heating

The underfloor heating pipework was installed across the property before the final floor construction was completed. Each circuit was positioned at carefully planned spacings to provide even coverage across the rooms. The pipework was secured in place and arranged to create a balanced heating system that could connect efficiently to the wider renewable heating installation. Correct pipe spacing and circuit design are important on any underfloor heating project, but they are especially important when the system is connected to a heat pump.

A professionally designed layout helps ensure that each area receives the required heat without relying on unnecessarily high water temperatures.

Two Kensa Ground Source Heat Pumps

The property was fitted with two 17kW Kensa ground source heat pumps in a purpose-built external plant room. Ground array pipes were installed in trenches across the garden. Fluid circulating through these buried pipes absorbs low-level heat stored naturally in the ground. That energy is then transferred to the heat pumps, which raise it to a suitable temperature for the property’s heating and hot water.

The underfloor heating distributes this heat throughout the home using lower flow temperatures than a conventional radiator system would normally require.

Solar-Powered Heating and Battery Storage

An 8kWp solar PV system was installed at the property and connected to a 15kW battery storage system.

Electricity generated by the solar panels can be used to:

• Run the ground source heat pumps
• Power appliances and electrical systems throughout the home
• Charge the battery system when more energy is generated than the property needs

The batteries can then supply electricity when solar generation is low or unavailable.

When the batteries are not fully charged by solar power, they can also be topped up overnight using cheaper off-peak grid electricity. This stored energy can then be used during the following day, helping the homeowner reduce the amount of electricity purchased at higher daytime rates.

How the Complete Renewable Energy System Works

The project combines underfloor heating, ground source heat pumps, solar generation and battery storage within one integrated system. During daylight hours, the solar panels generate electricity for the home. This electricity can power the heat pumps and other electrical equipment, while any surplus can be stored in the batteries. When solar power is unavailable, the batteries can supply the home and heating system. They can also be charged from the grid during off-peak periods when required. The ground source heat pumps provide low-temperature heated water to the underfloor heating, which then distributes warmth evenly across the property.

By designing these technologies to work together, the homeowner can make greater use of renewable energy and reduce reliance on conventional heating fuels and peak-rate electricity.

Around an 80% Reduction in Running Costs

Following the completion of the project, the homeowner reported an approximate 80% reduction in the cost of heating and powering the property. The savings achieved on any renewable heating project will vary. Factors such as the size and insulation of the property, electricity tariffs, system design, heating controls and household energy use will all affect performance. However, this project demonstrates the potential benefits of treating the heating system, solar generation and battery storage as one coordinated whole-home solution.

Working With Heppelthwaite – Green Building Solutions

The wider renewable energy project was completed in partnership with Heppelthwaite – Green Building Solutions.

Heated Floors supplied and installed the underfloor heating, while the complete project also incorporated the ground source heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage system. Close coordination between the underfloor heating and renewable technologies helped ensure the different parts of the system were compatible and able to operate effectively together.

Why Underfloor Heating Works Well With Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are most efficient when they can produce the required room temperature using lower water temperatures. Underfloor heating supports this because it uses a much larger surface area than traditional radiators. Heat is distributed gently across the floor rather than being released from a small number of high-temperature emitters.

This can provide several benefits:

• Even heat distribution across each room
• Lower flow temperatures
• Improved heat pump efficiency
• Greater comfort throughout the property
• More usable wall space without radiators
• Individual room or zone control where required

The underfloor heating still needs to be designed around the property. Heat-loss calculations, pipe spacing, floor finishes, insulation and zone requirements should all be considered before installation begins.

Underfloor Heating Installation in Buckinghamshire

Heated Floors provides wet underfloor heating design, supply and installation services for homeowners, builders, developers and trade customers.

We can support underfloor heating systems connected to:

• Ground source heat pumps
• Air source heat pumps
• Solar-powered home energy systems
• Battery storage systems
• Boilers and hybrid heating systems
• New-build and renovation projects

Our team works across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, West London and surrounding areas.

Call: 01753 663 137