- Ground Source Heat Pumps vs. Air Source Heat Pumps: Which is Better for Commercial Use?
Commercial properties are under growing pressure to cut running costs and meet tighter energy targets. Many engineers are turning to renewable systems as a long-term answer, and two of the most reliable options on the market are Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs). Both offer an efficient route away from gas and oil, but the way they perform, and the kind of sites they suit, can be very different.
Having worked on many large installations, one thing becomes clear: the best system depends on the building, the available space, and the way it’s used. The following comparison explains where each type of system excels and how National Pumps and Boilers supports commercial clients in getting the best type of heat pump for their project.
Advantages of Ground Source Heat Pumps
Consistent Efficiency All Year
A Ground Source Heat Pump draws energy from below the surface, where the temperature hardly changes throughout the year. By circulating fluid through buried loops, it captures steady heat that can be used for both space heating and hot water.
This stable temperature means a GSHP doesn’t have to work as hard as an air-source unit during cold weather. In practice, that can mean smoother performance and noticeably lower bills, particularly in offices, hotels, and schools where heating runs for long hours.
Think of it like a car running on cruise control: steady speed, no revving, no wasted fuel.
Lower Carbon and Cleaner Operation
Because GSHPs use the earth’s stored warmth rather than burning fuel, they’re one of the cleanest heating systems available. For commercial buildings aiming for BREEAM or other sustainability targets, that drop in carbon emissions is significant.
Compared to traditional plant rooms filled with gas boilers, a GSHP setup can help cut CO₂ output by more than half. The technology aligns well with Part L building regulations and long-term Net Zero strategies.
Reliable Comfort in Any Weather
Where Air Source Heat Pumps rely on outdoor air temperature, a GSHP runs off the stable underground climate. That’s a major advantage when the thermometer drops. Even on icy mornings, the system works quietly and efficiently, avoiding the performance dips often seen with air-source units.
For commercial buildings where temperature control affects productivity, say, a healthcare facility or university campus, this stability keeps occupants comfortable without driving up energy use.
Built to Last
A properly installed GSHP can last decades. The buried pipework often remains serviceable for 50 years or more, and because there are fewer moving parts than a boiler plant, there’s less to wear out.
Choosing trusted brands such as Grundfos, Lowara, and Wilo ensures long service intervals and reliable circulation, two things that reduce long-term maintenance costs.
GSHP vs ASHP: What’s the Difference?
Efficiency in Different Climates
Air Source Heat Pumps extract warmth from the outside air and are quick to install. They suit mild climates and smaller commercial buildings. The challenge comes when winter hits: as the air temperature falls, the system’s efficiency drops too.
A Ground Source Heat Pump avoids that problem by tapping into the constant temperature of the ground. That steady supply keeps the system’s Coefficient of Performance (COP) high even when it’s freezing outside. For that reason, GSHPs are often regarded as the best type of heat pump for larger sites or those exposed to harsher weather.
Installation and Cost Considerations
There’s no hiding the fact that a GSHP system costs more to install. Drilling boreholes or laying ground loops adds time and complexity. However, the long-term energy savings usually make up the difference.
A project I oversaw in the Midlands is a good example: a 1,200 m² office building switched from air-source to ground-source and saw heating costs drop by nearly 40% in the first year. Once the initial investment is recovered, the running costs stay consistently low.
For smaller or space-limited sites, ASHPs remain an excellent alternative, they’re simple, quick, and cost-effective where digging isn’t practical.
Noise and Appearance
Air-source units have fans and compressors that produce some noise. In urban areas or near occupied spaces, that can be an issue. Ground-source systems, buried below ground, run quietly and keep the exterior of the building uncluttered.
For commercial sites that prioritise both performance and presentation, GSHPs often tick every box.
Reliable Components for GSHP Systems
Quality Heat Pumps and Circulators
The efficiency of any heat pump system depends on how well its internal components are matched. National Pumps and Boilers supplies premium models from Grundfos, Lowara, and other trusted manufacturers. These circulators keep water moving at the correct flow rate, maintaining stable output and extending system life. Selecting the best type of heat pump is about performance as much as it is about quality parts.
Expansion Vessels and Pressure Control
Pressure changes naturally occur as water expands and contracts. That’s where Expansion Vessels come in. They absorb the extra pressure and prevent damage to the pump or heat exchanger.
You can view our range of Expansion Vessels designed for heavy-duty commercial systems, reliable, corrosion-resistant, and built for long service intervals.
Valves and Flow Balancing
Even heat distribution depends on proper flow control. Pump Valves help balance the system and make servicing easier. Our Pump Valves range ensures steady flow and long-term reliability in both heating and cooling applications.
Broader Product Support
Beyond GSHP equipment, we supply components for Central Heating, DHW Pumps, and Commercial Circulators.
We also partner with established brands like DAB, Andrews, Mikrofill, Remeha, and Vaillant to ensure a dependable, full-system supply chain for commercial clients.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Building
Evaluating Site and Load
Every site behaves differently. A school, for example, might have steady base load and plenty of outdoor space, ideal for a ground loop. A high-rise office with limited footprint may find an Air Source Heat Pump more practical.
Key factors include available land, existing plant layout, and the expected heat demand profile. Matching the system to those variables is what determines efficiency and payback.
Long-Term Financial Gains
A GSHP usually costs more upfront, but savings in energy and maintenance quickly build up. Running costs are typically 30–50% lower than an equivalent fossil-fuel system. When combined with government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the total lifecycle cost becomes highly competitive.
Planning for the Future
Investing in renewable heating now also guards against future regulation changes. GSHPs integrate well with solar PV and modern Pressurisation Units, helping buildings stay compliant and efficient. Many specifiers see them as the best type of heat pump for long-term carbon and cost reduction.
Expert Help from National Pumps and Boilers
Project Support and Design Advice
Our engineering team works directly with consultants and contractors to ensure each system is correctly specified and balanced. From initial design through to commissioning, we provide practical, grounded advice.
To discuss a project or get technical support, get in touch with the team.
Aftercare and Ongoing Service
A well-installed system deserves proper maintenance. We offer reliable after-sales support across all categories, from Submersible Pumps to Shower Pumps, so your equipment continues running at peak performance.
When you buy through National Pumps and Boilers, you’re backed by experienced engineers who understand how these systems perform in real commercial environments.
Conclusion
Ground Source Heat Pumps and Air Source Heat Pumps both have a place in modern commercial heating. The key is matching the technology to the building’s load, budget, and environmental goals.
For sites that demand reliability, quiet operation, and high seasonal efficiency, GSHPs stand out as the best type of heat pump. With components from Grundfos, Lowara, Wilo, and NPB, plus guidance from our specialist team, you can expect long-term results that combine performance with sustainability.
To explore suitable options for your next commercial project, visit the National Pumps and Boilers website or contact us for tailored technical advice.