Summary
This document is a research report that investigates the performance and cost differences between air-source heat pumps (ASHP) and ground-source heat pumps (GSHP) utilizing a shared ground loop system. The study aims to quantify various factors including running costs, total lifetime costs, and the impact of British weather conditions on the efficiency of these heating technologies. It outlines specific objectives such as analyzing the effect of local weather on the coefficient of performance (COP) and the potential savings from using a shared ground loop system. The report details the methodology, which includes modeling based on historical weather data and various household types. Key findings indicate that GSHP shared loop systems can offer significant annualized cost savings compared to ASHP systems, particularly in retrofitted properties. The report also discusses the implications of connection fees and the economic viability of shared ground loop infrastructure, providing a comprehensive analysis of the costs associated with both heating technologies.
