Ground Source Heat Pump in Ireland — Borehole Cost, When It's Worth the Premium
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Ground source heat pump (GSHP) in Ireland: €18,000–€30,000 installed. Borehole €4,000–€8,000 (100–150 m deep). SEAI grant €6,500. Net cost: €11,500–€23,500. More expensive than air-to-water but more efficient (COP 4–5 vs 3–4 for air-to-water) and quieter. Worth it for large houses (200+ m²) with a big garden (1+ acre for the borehole). Not worth it for a standard 150 m² house. The borehole takes 1–3 days to drill; the heat pump takes 2–3 days to install. SEAI grant is conditional on a BER assessment after the work.
TL;DR
Ground source heat pump (GSHP) in Ireland: €18,000–€30,000 installed. Borehole €4,000–€8,000. SEAI grant €6,500.
Net cost: €11,500–€23,500. More expensive than air-to-water but more efficient and quieter.
Worth it for large houses (200+ m²) with a big garden (1+ acre for the borehole). Not worth it for a standard 150 m² house.
When this matters most
You're considering a ground source heat pump.
When this doesn't apply
You've already specified an air-to-water heat pump.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a ground source heat pump cost in Ireland?
€18,000–€30,000 installed. Plus €4,000–€8,000 for the borehole. SEAI grant €6,500. Net €11,500–€23,500.
Is a ground source heat pump worth it in Ireland?
For large houses (200+ m²) with a big garden (1+ acre for the borehole), yes. For a standard 150 m² house, no — air-to-water is cheaper and good enough.
How deep is a borehole for a heat pump in Ireland?
100–150 m typical. Depends on the geology. Limestone is good (high thermal conductivity). Clay is poor (low thermal conductivity). Drilling takes 1–3 days.
Sources
SEAI, Heat Pump Grants 2026. https://www.seai.ie/grants/
Frequently asked questions
How much does a ground source heat pump cost in Ireland?
€18,000–€30,000 installed. Plus €4,000–€8,000 for the borehole. SEAI grant €6,500. Net €11,500–€23,500.
Is a ground source heat pump worth it in Ireland?
For large houses (200+ m²) with a big garden (1+ acre for the borehole), yes. For a standard 150 m² house, no — air-to-water is cheaper and good enough.
How deep is a borehole for a heat pump in Ireland?
100–150 m typical. Depends on the geology. Limestone is good (high thermal conductivity). Clay is poor (low thermal conductivity). Drilling takes 1–3 days.