Under your feet might be one of the most economical ways to improve the comfort of your home all year long. A geothermal heating pump is an energy-efficient source that can provide the majority of the heating.
These systems, which resemble regular heat pumps, provide heating, air conditioning, and, in most cases, hot water by using the ground as opposed to the outside air. They are among the most effective and comfortable heating and cooling technologies available today. Because they make use of the earth’s natural heat.
Although systems in different locations will have varying degrees of efficiency and cost savings. Geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground source heat pumps, can be used almost anywhere in the country because all areas have virtually constant shallow ground temperatures.
Geothermal heat pump systems are divided into four categories
These three are closed-loop systems: horizontal, vertical, and pond/lake. The open-loop option, which resembles a well, is the fourth type. For heating, this kind of system uses a well or surface water. In areas where groundwater can flow outside of a closed loop system, less common standing column well systems are used.
Most closed-loop geothermal heat pumps circulate an antifreeze solution through a closed loop that is buried in the ground or submerged in water. The closed loop is typically made of high-density plastic-type tubing. Between the heat pump’s refrigerant and the antifreeze solution in the closed loop, a heat exchanger transfers heat.
How to install a geothermal heating system
A closed or open loop pipe system makes up the ground heat exchanger in a GHP system. The closed loop involves burying high-density polyethylene pipe horizontally at a depth of 4 to 6 feet or vertically at a depth of 100 to 400 feet, which is the most typical.
An eco-friendly antifreeze/water solution that serves as a heat exchanger is placed inside these pipes. The substance in the pipes absorbs heat from the earth in the winter and transfers it to the building. The system reverses in the summer, removing heat from the structure and dumping it on the cooler ground.
Similar to traditional systems, ductwork in the home distributes heated or cooled air throughout the building. Due to its role in circulating indoor air through the heat pump for cooling or heating. The box housing the indoor coil and fan are occasionally referred to as the air handler. Like standard air conditioners, the air handler has a sizable blower and a filter.
Benefits of a Ground-Source Heat Pump System for your Home
In comparison to air-source heat pumps and electric resistance heating used in conjunction with standard air conditioning equipment, geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumption and the associated emissions by up to 44% and 72%, respectively, according to the EPA.
GHPs are very effective in humid environments because they maintain an indoor relative humidity of about 50%. The fact that GHPs use 25% to 50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems is their main advantage. This means that a GHP moves three units of heat from the earth using just one unit of electricity.
Systems for geothermal heat pumps can be installed in both new construction and retrofit situations, allowing for design flexibility.
GHP systems also offer top-notch “zone” air conditioning, enabling you to heat or cool different areas of your house to different temperatures.
The heat pumps in GHP systems frequently have lifespans of 20 years or more, and the underground piping frequently comes with warranties of 25 to 50 years.
The living space’s components are also easily accessible, which ups the level of convenience and ensures that maintenance is completed on time.
