 Though the cost of installation is generally high, it is less than the cost of a "ground source" heat pump, because a ground source heat pump requires excavation to install its ground loop.The advantage of a ground source heat pump is that it has access to the thermal storage capacity of the ground which allows it to produce more heat for less electricity in cold conditions.ASHPs are often paired with auxiliary or emergency heat systems to provide backup heat when outside temperatures are too low for the pump to work efficiently, or in the event the pump malfunctions.