What Is a Geo Thermal Heat Pump?
Geothermal heat pumps are units designed to heat or cool homes and buildings using the Earth. Although initial costs can be higher than for air-source systems, geothermal heat pumps often pay for themselves by saving on energy costs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Geothermal Heat
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Geothermal heat is the heat that is found in the surface of the Earth. Temperatures in the ground are usually more moderate than air temperatures and vary little throughout the year.
Geothermal Heat Pump
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Geothermal heat pumps have been used since the 1940s to both heat and cool buildings. There are several types, including direct exchange, closed loop systems, and open loop systems; all are very efficient.
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Components
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A geothermal heat pump is a mechanical unit containing a condenser and an evaporator coil. A substance called a refrigerant transfers heat between these two units.
Geothermal Heating
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Geothermal heat pumps move refrigerant through a loop buried underground or submerged in a pond, where it exchanges heat with its surroundings. Once the refrigerant returns to the pump, the condenser and evaporator coil distribute the heat throughout the building.
Geothermal Cooling
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In the summer, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside the building and distributes it into the ground.
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References
- Photo Credit pump and manometer image by YURY MARYUNIN from Fotolia.com
