Renewables

Ground Source Heat Pumps: Harnessing Earth’s Natural Warmth

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) offer a highly efficient and sustainable way to heat your property by tapping into the consistent temperature of the earth. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:  

• Heat Extraction: A network of underground pipes, filled with a fluid (often a water/antifreeze mix), circulates and absorbs heat from the surrounding soil. The earth maintains a relatively stable temperature year-round, ensuring consistent heat availability.  
• Heat Transfer: The warmed fluid is pumped to the heat pump unit inside your building. Here, the heat is extracted and transferred to a refrigerant. This refrigerant is then compressed, significantly raising its temperature.  
• Heat Distribution: The high-temperature refrigerant transfers its heat to a water-based heating system, such as underfloor heating or radiators, via a heat exchanger. The heated water is then circulated throughout your property for warmth and hot water. 
• Heat Recycling: The cooled refrigerant returns to the underground loop to absorb more heat, continuously repeating the cycle.

GSHPs are renowned for their exceptional efficiency and ability to provide consistent, renewable heat throughout the year. While the initial installation may require a larger investment due to the ground works needed, the long-term energy savings and environmental advantages are substantial.  

At Harbour Group Contractors, we specialize in the expert design and installation of Ground Source Heat Pump systems for both domestic and commercial applications. Whether you’re looking to integrate a GSHP into a new build or retrofit an existing property, we can tailor a solution to meet your specific needs. We manage all aspects of the installation, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition to sustainable ground source heating.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is a sophisticated ventilation system designed to provide a constant supply of fresh, filtered air while recovering heat that would otherwise be lost. In new build properties and commercial buildings, where airtightness is increasingly common to improve energy efficiency, MVHR becomes crucial for maintaining healthy indoor air quality.   

Here’s how it works and its benefits:

• Continuous Fresh Air: MVHR constantly extracts stale, humid air from “wet” rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, and simultaneously supplies fresh, filtered air to living areas.  
• Heat Recovery: The system’s heat exchanger transfers heat from the outgoing stale air to the incoming fresh air, minimizing heat loss. This significantly reduces your heating bills.  
• Improved Air Quality: MVHR filters incoming air, removing pollutants, allergens, and dust particles, creating a healthier indoor environment. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas with high pollution levels.  
• Reduced Condensation and Mould: By continuously removing humid air, MVHR helps prevent condensation and mould growth, protecting your building’s structure and improving indoor comfort.  
• Energy Efficiency: By recovering heat, MVHR reduces the demand on your heating system, making it an energy-efficient solution. This is especially important in the UK, where energy costs can be high.  
• Compliance: New build properties in the UK are increasingly required to meet stringent energy efficiency and ventilation standards, making MVHR a valuable asset.  

In commercial buildings, MVHR can significantly enhance employee well-being, reduce sick leave, and improve productivity by providing a healthier and more comfortable working environment.

At Harbour Group Contractors, we specialize in the design, supply, and installation of MVHR systems for both new build domestic properties and commercial buildings. We ensure a seamless and efficient installation, providing you with a healthier, more comfortable, and energy-efficient environment.