Ground-Source and Geo-Thermal Heat Pumps tap the stored energy of the earth. These systems use the earth's relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings.
Because it's much easier to move heat to the cooler earth than into the sweltering summer air, Geo-Thermal Heat Pumps do not have to work as hard to cool your home. This efficiency has a bottom line - Substantial savings reflected in your monthly utility bill. And the same applies for the Heating Season: It's much easier to absorb heat from the warmer earth than from the frigid outdoor air.
Ground source heat pumps can be categorized as having closed or open
loops, and those loops can be installed in three ways: horizontally, vertically,
or in a pond/lake. The type chosen depends on the available land areas
and the soil and rock type at the installation site. These factors will
help determine the most economical choice for installation of the ground
loop.
For closed loop systems, water or antifreeze solution is circulated through
plastic pipes buried beneath the earth's surface. During the winter, the
fluid collects heat from the earth and carries it through the system and
into the building. During the summer, the system reverses itself to cool
the building by pulling heat from the building, carrying it through the
system and placing it in the ground.
Open loop systems operate on the same principle as closed loop systems
and can be installed where an adequate supply of suitable water is available
and open discharge is feasible. Benefits similar to the closed loop system
are obtained.
