Kensa Ground Source Heat Pump Review: UK's Only GSHP Manufacturer
Kensa holds a unique position in the UK heat pump market. Based in Cornwall, they are the only manufacturer of ground source heat pumps in the United Kingdom. While most brands offer air source units with ground source as a secondary option, Kensa focuses exclusively on GSHP technology. The result is the highest efficiency, zero outdoor noise, and — through their pioneering shared ground loop approach — a way to make ground source affordable even for terraces and flats. If you have the garden space and want the lowest possible running costs, Kensa is the brand to investigate.
See our brand comparison guide for the broader market context.
Why Ground Source?
A ground source heat pump extracts heat from the ground, where UK temperatures remain stable at 10–12°C year-round. This means higher efficiency than air source during winter, no outdoor unit, no fan noise, and no defrost cycles. The trade-off is the ground array cost.
Kensa Heat Pump Range
The Shoebox (3–14kW) fits inside a standard kitchen cupboard at just 595x595x410mm. The Evo handles up to 32kW for larger properties. The Duo integrates a hot water cylinder. All use R290 in newer models.
Shared Ground Loop Arrays: Kensa's Innovation
Through Kensa Utilities, shared borehole networks serve multiple properties, reducing per-property costs dramatically. This makes ground source viable for social housing, new developments, flats, and terraces. No visible outdoor equipment makes it ideal for conservation areas.
Efficiency and Performance
Annual running costs of £550–£850 for a typical three-bedroom semi — potentially the lowest of any heating system. Pair with solar panels for maximum savings.
Installation Costs
| Configuration | Installed Cost | After BUS Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Shoebox + horizontal trenches | £15,000–£22,000 | £7,500–£14,500 |
| Shoebox + vertical boreholes | £18,000–£28,000 | £10,500–£20,500 |
| Shared ground loop (new dev) | £12,000–£18,000 | £4,500–£10,500 |
The BUS grant of £7,500 applies to all Kensa installations. Shared ground loops approach air source pricing while delivering higher efficiency.
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Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Highest efficiency — consistently higher COP than air source
- Zero outdoor noise — no external unit, no neighbour issues
- Ultra-compact Shoebox fits in a cupboard
- UK manufactured in Cornwall
- Shared ground loops make GSHP affordable for more property types
- Constant year-round performance — no seasonal efficiency drop
- Ground array lasts 50–100 years
Disadvantages
- Higher upfront cost due to ground array
- Garden disruption during installation
- Not suitable for every property — needs garden space or drill rig access
- Fewer GSHP installers than ASHP installers
- Simpler controls than premium air source brands
If ground source is not practical, consider Nibe (who also make excellent GSHPs) or efficient air source alternatives from Viessmann or Bosch. See our manufacturer directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kensa heat pumps any good?
Yes. Reliable, efficient ground source units from the UK's only GSHP manufacturer. The Shoebox is particularly impressive for compact size and consistent performance.
How much does a Kensa system cost?
£15,000–£28,000 installed including ground works. After the £7,500 BUS grant: £7,500–£20,500. Shared loops can be much cheaper.
Is ground source better than air source?
15–30% more efficient due to stable ground temperatures. Higher installation cost means longer payback. Not all properties are suitable.
How big a garden do I need?
Horizontal loops: 200–400 sqm. Boreholes: just enough for a drill rig (3m wide path). Shared arrays work for properties with no garden.
Where are Kensa heat pumps made?
Truro, Cornwall — the only UK-based GSHP manufacturer.
How long does a ground source system last?
Heat pump unit: 20–25 years. Ground array: 50–100 years. You can replace the unit while keeping the same ground infrastructure.
Could ground source work for your home?
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Kensa and UK Ground Source Innovation
Kensa's shared ground loop technology is expanding access to the most efficient form of domestic heating. With the BUS grant and reduced electricity costs from solar panels, ground source heating can deliver the lowest running costs of any system. For homeowners with the garden space and long-term perspective, investing in a ground source system today means decades of efficient, silent, low-carbon heating.