During the winter it uses the ground as a heat source and during the summer it uses the ground as a heat sink. The reason why a geothermal heat pump is effective is due to the moderate temperatures of the ground. Due to this, it enables the homeowner to reduce their heating and cooling costs. Some people have combined this system with a solar heating system. This forms what is known as a geosolar system. This adds even more energy savings to the home. Although, a system like this can be costly to implement.
A good example of how a geothermal heat pump works is an air conditioner or refrigerator. The basic premise is the same; the transfer of heat from a cool space to a warm space and vice versa.
The Drawback of a Geothermal Heat Pump
If these heating and cooling systems are such a great energy saver, then why do more people not get them installed? The answer is that the initial installation cost of a geothermal heat pump is quite high. The best time to have this type of system installed is before the construction of the home or building begins.
If you can have it installed during construction then you could very well enjoy the savings in a much shorter period. If you have the system installed or retrofitted to an existing home, then the length of time that you will begin to see some savings will be longer.
How Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Use the Earth’s Natural Heat?
This form of heating does not burn fuel, which is why it is becoming quite popular with people are energy conscious and concerned about further damaging the earth’s ozone layer.
The geothermal or ground source heat pump collect the natural heat from the Earth in a series of pipes that are installed under the ground. Fluid in the pipes then circulates through the entire loop, carrying the heat into the house. When it gets to the house, a compressor concentrates the energy and releases it into the home at a higher temperature. It is distributed to various rooms through ductwork. These pipes are referred to as a loop. The pipes can also be installed in a pond or a lake as well.
Is a geothermal heat pump for you? If you are building a home then that is the right time to get one of these devices installed, so you can enjoy energy savings for years to come.
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