Main Ridge Geothermal

Overview

In the scenic locale of Main Ridge, Victoria, a residential property has undergone a transformative hydronic heating upgrade, powered by Stiebel Eltron’s leading geothermal heat pump technology. Previously dependent on an outdated heating setup, the homeowner sought a system with an economical upfront cost that could provide long-term energy savings while seamlessly integrating into their existing underfloor hydronic system. By utilising the property's natural, spring-fed lake as a heat source, the partnering installer team at SóGeo delivered an ultra-efficient, low-impact solution that minimised costly ground works and environmental disruption – while achieving impressive performance gains, reduced running costs and maximised comfort.

The Stiebel Eltron Solution

At the core of the installation is the Stiebel Eltron WPE-I 15 ground source heat pump, a compact yet powerful 15kW unit designed to deliver quiet, reliable, and sustainable heating. Instead of drilling boreholes, a much less invasive heat exchanger loop was submerged into the property’s lake, taking advantage of the consistent year-round thermal energy hiding just below the surface, and significantly reducing installation costs.

The compact size of the WPE-I 15 allowed for a tidy installation in the existing plant room where space was at a premium. Supported by a Stiebel Eltron SBP buffer tank innovatively wall-mounted, upgraded circulation pumps, and Stiebel Eltron’s advanced heat pump management system, precise temperature control and energy management was easily achieved.

The project demonstrates how lake energy can be harnessed effectively, resulting in efficient performance irrespective of seasonality.

Key Benefits

Efficient Lake-Based Heating:
By tapping into the stable temperature of the property’s spring-fed lake, extensive groundworks were avoided, while delivering superior performance.

Rapid Installation:
Thanks to careful planning, SóGeo installed the entire system within a week – minimising disruptions and delivering results significantly faster than is typical.

Compact Installation:
The WPE-I 15’s compact footprint, paired with a wall-mounted buffer tank, enabled a clean and efficient integration into the existing plant room.

Whisper-Quiet Operation:
Designed for residential tranquillity, the system runs almost silently while eliminating the properties reliance on fossil fuels.

Precise Control:
The integrated Stiebel Eltron heat pump management system allows the homeowner to fine-tune heating zones and schedules for comfort and cost optimisation to fit their needs.

Outcome

The shift to a Stiebel Eltron all-electric geothermal solution has significantly lowered the homeowner’s energy costs while delivering dependable, low-maintenance performance. With the installation taking only a week, the benefits of the upgrade will only continue to build over time, and have culminated in a quiet, highly efficient heating system powered by nature.

This project stands as a testament to how Stiebel Eltron’s innovative heat pump solutions can be adapted to local conditions, enabling sustainable living without compromise – even in rural settings.