Ground Source Heat Pump Cost Calculator
Get a rough estimate of installation and running costs, based on Energy Saving Trust and government data, and see what a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant could take off.
Typical costs, last reviewed September 2026. Sources: Energy Saving Trust (July 2026 prices); DESNZ Boiler Upgrade Scheme statistics, July 2026.
Calculate Your Ground Source Heat Pump Cost
Enter your property details for a rough estimate. Only a survey gives a real price.
Why Consider a Ground Source Heat Pump?
Lower-carbon heating that draws heat from the ground
Efficient Heating
For every unit of electricity it uses, a ground source heat pump produces about three units of heat (Energy Saving Trust).
Running Costs
For a well-insulated four-bedroom detached home, the Energy Saving Trust estimates savings of around £130 to £650 a year when replacing a gas boiler, and £750 to £1,500 when replacing LPG. Savings are not guaranteed.
Lower Carbon
In that same home, replacing a gas boiler saves around 3,500 to 5,200kg of CO2 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Grant Available
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 in England and Wales, or £9,000 for off-gas-grid homes heated by oil or LPG until 31 March 2027. The scheme runs to 2030.
Trenches or Boreholes: What Changes the Price
Horizontal Trench System (typically around £15,000)
- • Heat pump unit, sized from a heat loss survey
- • Ground loop pipework laid in trenches, which needs enough accessible garden
- • Internal pipework, hot water cylinder and any radiator changes
- • Installation, commissioning and MCS certificate
Vertical Borehole System (considerably more)
- • Heat pump unit, sized from a heat loss survey
- • Borehole drilling, which needs access for drilling equipment but much less land
- • Internal pipework, hot water cylinder and any radiator changes
- • Installation, commissioning and MCS certificate
What recent installs actually cost
Ground source heat pumps installed under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in April to June 2026 cost a median of £27,232 before the grant, and half cost between £18,136 and £42,110 (DESNZ). Since 28 April 2026, installers must take the grant off your price upfront. Installed heat pumps have 0% VAT until 31 March 2027, then 5%. Typical costs, last reviewed September 2026. Sources: Energy Saving Trust (July 2026 prices); DESNZ Boiler Upgrade Scheme statistics, July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a ground source heat pump cost?
The Energy Saving Trust puts a typical system at around £15,000 when the ground loop goes in trenches, and says boreholes cost considerably more. Government figures for Boiler Upgrade Scheme installs in April to June 2026 show a median of £27,232 before the grant, with half costing between £18,136 and £42,110. The grant takes off £7,500, or £9,000 for off-gas-grid homes heated by oil or LPG.
Is a ground source heat pump worth it?
It depends on what you are replacing and how long you plan to stay. For a well-insulated four-bedroom detached home, the Energy Saving Trust estimates yearly savings of around £130 to £650 when replacing a gas boiler, £50 to £600 for oil, £750 to £1,500 for LPG and £1,400 to £2,100 for electric storage heaters. The upfront cost is high, so get a survey and more than one quote.
What size ground source heat pump do I need?
An MCS-certified installer should size the system from a room-by-room heat loss survey, because an undersized system struggles to heat the home and an oversized one costs more. For context, the median ground source heat pump installed under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in April to June 2026 was 10.5kW (DESNZ).
How much land do you need for a ground source heat pump?
Trench systems need a fairly large, accessible area of garden for the groundworks. Boreholes need much less land, but drilling adds considerably to the cost. An installer will check your ground conditions and access. You can use the land above trenches as lawn or garden, but avoid building on it or planting trees. Shared ground loops serving more than one home can also get the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
What are the running costs of a ground source heat pump?
A ground source heat pump typically produces about three units of heat per unit of electricity. Under the Ofgem price cap from 1 October 2026, electricity costs 26.32p/kWh, so heat costs roughly 9p per kWh before standing charges. Actual costs depend on your home, insulation and tariff. Some suppliers offer heat pump tariffs that can lower costs.
How long does a ground source heat pump installation take?
Longer than an air source heat pump, because of the groundworks or drilling. Your installer should give you a timetable. Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the installer must install and commission the heat pump within 120 days of applying. Check with your council whether you need planning permission or other consent, especially for a listed building.
Thinking About Ground Source Heating?
Tell us about your home and Better Home Hub can introduce installers who cover your area. Only MCS-certified installers can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, so check yours on the MCS register.
Request Ground Source QuotesSending an enquiry is free, with no obligation. UK Energy Partnership is run by Harber Glaves Trading Ltd. We are not a government body and cannot decide who gets funding. Check eligibility on GOV.UK.