Geothermal heat pumps use groundwater or water circulated through pipes to exchange heat with the earth. Geothermal versus air-source heat pump systems use the earth’s natural temperature to exchange heat and provide heating and cooling. The temperature of the air varies widely with the weather. Whereas the temperature of the earth is nearly constant.

This makes the use of a geothermal system ideal for heating and cooling. It also costs less in energy use because of the constant earth temperature versus the widely varying temperature of the outside air. Consequently, geothermal systems make sense and can save lots of money in energy use.

Geothermal Heat Pumps - Operating Costs

Geothermal Heat Pump Types How it worksGeothermal heat pumps provide you with heating and cooling at nearly half the energy cost that of standard air conditioner and heating systems. That includes air-source or gas or oil systems cost to run in the typical residential or light commercial setting. The savings can offset the high installation costs of geothermal energy usage over a period making these systems ideal for present and future use.

Energy costs are rising every year as finite resources become limited, and the world population increases demand for energy. Ground source systems can be a solution to save energy costs in the future. Consequently,m there are some considerations you need to know about having a geothermal system installed for your home or business.
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Geothermal Heat Pumps - Requirements

First, you need to have a source of water. A large body or a well that can handle the load of a geothermal system. In some cases, if you have a large area of land, a trench can be dug. Special geothermal heat pump piping can be installed in the trench. That provides a water loop for the geothermal system.

The cost of having a well drilled, the trench dug, or piping ran to a large body of water can make the installation cost of the geothermal heat pumps rise. Well above the normal air source heating and cooling systems. However, the energy savings realized over some time can offset this high installation cost.

In addition to the information here, see a detailed description of the various types of geothermal heat pump loops.

Geothermal Heat Pumps - Features and Options

A geothermal heat pump system can come as a split system, or it can be a single packaged unit. A geothermal heat pump system will still require the installation of ductwork because geothermal systems are forced air systems. Most noteworthy, an added benefit of a geothermal heat pump system is that some geothermal heat pumps can be fitted to heat water. Hot water for domestic use so you can use your geothermal heat pump to heat water.

Hot water for your shower and washing dishes. Alternatively, other geothermal heat pumps are water to water. They can produce hot water for a radiant heating system, used as a pool heater, or used in snow melting. Furthermore, geothermal heat pump systems are all-electric and considered to be more efficient than other forms of heating and cooling.

Types

Geothermal heat pumps closed loop diagram

Geothermal heat pump closed loop diagram

In addition, geothermal heat pumps can be open-loop, closed-loop, or use a large body of water. These are needed for the heat exchange process. Closed-loop systems can be installed either vertically or horizontally if there is enough land for a horizontal installation. Open-loop geothermal systems require two or more wells. One well receives the water from the geothermal system.

The opposite well pulls water from the well for the condenser in the geothermal system. Especially relevant, special piping is used in all applications. Finally, when a large body of water is used for the geothermal systems, the piping is secured. Secured under the water below the average freeze line in the water. Therefore, some depth to the water source is needed for proper installation.

Geothermal Heat Pumps Video & Conclusion

Furthermore, here is an excellent video of how a geothermal system heat pump works. Lengthy video and intense discussion of a ground source heat pump system but very good. Geothermal heat pump systems are the most efficient systems used. They do not require backup heat like an air source heat pump system.

The cost of installing a geothermal heat pump system is higher. However, over the long term, the savings in energy usage from a geothermal heat pump system to an air source heat pump system is greater. The discussion includes the payback in energy savings from the cost of installing a geothermal heat pump system.

Finally, HighPerformanceHVAC.com is your source for information concerning geothermal heat pumps, geothermal heating, and heat pump systems. Geothermal Heat Pump Systems are among the most efficient type of heating and cooling systems available today.

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