Why ground source heat pumps could be the cooling fix you didn’t know you had

With UK summers getting longer and hotter, more homeowners are searching for ways to keep cool without relying on expensive, energy-hungry air conditioning.

What many don’t realise is that ground source heat pumps – usually known for heating – can also provide effective, eco-friendly home cooling.

Thanks to new innovations in system design, these hidden systems could be the year-round comfort solution that your home's been missing.

Cool your home naturally, all summer long

Many homeowners know ground source heat pumps can efficiently heat homes in the winter, but fewer realise they can help cool them in the summer too.

Ground source heat pumps tap into the stable temperature underground, using that natural coolness to lower the temperature in your home.

This process, called passive cooling, uses very little energy – just a small pump and fan to move cool air through your system. It doesn’t require noisy fans or outdoor units, and the running costs are minimal.

David Broom from Kensa, a leading heat pump manufacturer, says: “Passive cooling is unique to ground source heat pumps. It keeps homes cool with barely any energy use – and you don’t need a big air-con box ruining your garden or wall.”

For even warmer days, active cooling can be used, where the system absorbs heat from your home and transfers it back into the ground – still far more efficient than conventional air conditioning.

A solution for homes at risk of overheating

Detached, semi-detached and even terraced houses can suffer from overheating – especially with modern insulation, large windows, and south-facing gardens.

With climate change pushing temperatures higher each year, the need for affordable home cooling is only growing.

When comparing gas boilers to ground source heat pumps, boilers can only add heat to your living space, whereas ground source heat pumps can quietly remove it. They’re built to regulate temperature without fuel combustion, making them ideal for family homes where comfort and energy savings go hand in hand.

Neil Fitzsimons, Managing Director at Power On, explains: “A lot of people are surprised to learn that ground source heat pumps can cool homes too. It’s a smart, affordable solution for anyone looking to future-proof their property.”

Low-carbon, low-cost and ready for the future

Ground source heat pumps don’t just help keep your home cooler, they also reduce your environmental impact.

They meet the UK’s Future Homes Standard with emissions reductions of up to 80%, and also support regulations like Part O, aimed at limiting overheating in new homes.

If you’re building or upgrading a home, it’s a solution that combines sustainability, comfort, and efficiency - all in one system. Plus, the long-term savings on energy bills make it a sound investment.

Fitzsimons adds: “Networked ground source heat pumps are a win-win for homeowners. You get heating, hot water, and natural cooling without the need for noisy air-con or high running costs.”