Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes — we drill boreholes for both potable water wells and soakaway systems. Whether for residential supply, agricultural irrigation, livestock, or drainage, we design and construct solutions tailored to your needs.

If you can answer “yes” to most of the questions below, a GSHP may be ideal. Older properties on small plots may be less suitable, so contact us for a free assessment.

• Is your house a new build (or in design) where underfloor heating can be incorporated?
• Can your project qualify for zero-rated VAT?
• Do you have outdoor space for boreholes (an area the size of a few cars is often enough)?
• Has your property been insulated in the last 10 years?
• Do you already have underfloor heating or spare radiator capacity?
• Would summer cooling be useful?
• Do you have a utility room, garage, or outhouse for a unit (about the size of a fridge freezer)?
• Can you invest upfront to enjoy lower running costs long-term?

Ground source boreholes are a long-term investment. While upfront costs are higher than traditional heating, the system pays back through much lower running costs and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Contact us for a tailored, fixed-price quotation.

Yes. Ground Source Heat Pumps run on electricity and pair perfectly with renewable generation. Homes with solar PV, wind, or hydro can use that green electricity to power their GSHP — making it even more sustainable.

Yes. A properly designed system can provide both space heating and domestic hot water year-round. In older or less insulated homes, additional upgrades may be needed to maximise performance.

A GSHP typically delivers 3–4 units of heat per unit of electricity, reducing carbon emissions compared with oil, gas, or coal. When powered by renewables, emissions are even lower, making GSHPs one of the cleanest heating solutions available.

GSHPs work best at low flow temperatures. Underfloor heating (or other low-temperature systems) provides the same comfort at much lower temperatures, improving efficiency and cutting running costs compared with standard radiators.

It depends on the system size. As a guide, a 100m borehole might deliver around 5 kW. Boreholes are generally spaced 6–10m apart. We’ll advise on the exact ground area after assessing your site and energy needs.

Both work well in the right situation:

• Horizontal trenches: lower drilling cost but require significant land and cause more ground disturbance.
• Vertical boreholes: higher upfront cost but compact footprint, minimal landscaping, and stable year-round performance.

Yes. Air source systems can be effective and cheaper to install where drilling isn’t possible. However, ground source systems are typically more efficient, quieter, and reliable in colder weather.

No. GSHPs require specialist skills in ground loop design, system integration, and controls. We recommend using MCS-accredited GSHP installers with proven experience to ensure the system performs as intended.

Not exactly. Boilers deliver high-temperature heat in short bursts, while GSHPs run longer at lower flow temperatures for steady, efficient comfort. We size systems to meet your property’s peak heat loss, ensuring warmth even in cold snaps.

Yes — vertical boreholes have a small footprint and can often be installed in modest spaces. We’ll check access for drilling and the available indoor space for the unit before confirming suitability.

With proper care, a heat pump should last around 20–25 years. Many carry warranties of 2–5 years, and with regular maintenance, you can expect reliable long-term performance.

Yes. GSHPs can supply both heating and hot water, sized to meet your household’s specific demand.

Efficiency depends on proper design and installation. We rely on independent testing, accurate ground data, and transparent design methods. At Blue Rock Drilling, we provide clear, evidence-based performance expectations.

If the GSHP or borehole array is too small, your home may not heat comfortably in cold weather. The system will overwork, reducing efficiency and increasing running costs. We prevent this by carefully sizing systems to your property’s needs.

Having more boreholes than necessary won’t harm performance — it just means the system cost more than needed. We design arrays to be efficient and cost-effective.

Typically 6–10m apart to avoid thermal interference. Exact spacing depends on geology and will be confirmed during system design.

As a rule of thumb, at least 3m away. This prevents frost or ground temperature changes from affecting foundations. Site conditions will determine the final placement.