Learn How Geothermal Heat Pumps Work

Geothermal heat pumps harness the heating and cooling powers of the earth in an energy efficient system that is friendly to the environment. The geothermal heat pumps are considered environmentally friendly since the technology uses the earth as a heating and cooling source of energy. Geothermal heat pumps save consumers money because one geothermal heat pump can be used to heat and cool a building.

The geothermal heat pump does not need to burn fuel for heating or cooling. A geothermal heat pump transfers the earth heat into the home for heating purposes and absorbs heat from the home to cool it off. This system works ground pumps that collect the heat in underground pipes. The heat is concentrated and stored in these pipes until it is needed. These same pipes will send the heat into the building upon command.

When the home is hot, the same heating pipes are used to draw the heat from the home. The heat air is cooled underground and sent back to the home. The geothermal heat pumps can be modified for use in radiant floor heating, water heaters and to melt snow along walkways in the winter.

The system provides a steady stream of heat or cooled air into the home. Unlike other heating systems, the geothermal heat pump does not send particles into the air when it is working. Geothermal heat pumps also provide silent service which is a welcome change from noisy air conditioners or heating systems. The system is activated by a wall mounted thermostat which can be used to heat or cool the home.

A geothermal heat pump may be either a closed loop or open loop system. Households generally use a closed loop system. A closed loop system uses an underground pipe filled with a liquid solution to conduct heat or cool air. The open loop system uses ground water or the earth to transfer the heat or cool air.

The geothermal heat pumps require an annual cleaning. Cleaning means that an acid based wash will be used on the pipes. With regular maintenance, the system will work well with infrequent need to replace parts. The air filter should be checked and cleaned as often as once a month. A technician can provide any further details about the operation and care of the geothermal heat pump.

Owners of geothermal heat pumps can save money on their heating and cooling bills. Despite the cost of buying and installing the system, owners report significant savings from using the geothermal heat pumps in comparison to heating or cooling the home with more traditional systems. Since the temperature of the ground and ground water remains between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, it allows the geothermal heat pump a continual source of warm or cool air. Fans of the geothermal heat pumps claim that they save almost half the money that they would have otherwise spent on their heating bills and up to 30% on their costs to cool their home.

Geothermal heat pumps are used in homes, commercial and industrial buildings. Their ability to save on heating and cooling costs is a tremendous attraction for many consumers. As an alternative heat source, the geothermal heat pump has a great future.