Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal Heat Pumps
No matter what climate you live in, the temperature throughout the year varies. For some climates that means blazing summers that cool to frigid winters. What many people don't realize is that the temperature below ground (regardless of climate or season) stays fairly consistent all year.
The ground is able to maintain a higher rate of temperature consistency because it absorbs 47% of the sun's energy (heat) as it hits the Earth's surface. Geothermal systems are able to tap into this free energy with an earth loop. This technology is then used to provide your home or office with central heating and cooling.
Geothermal vs. Geo exchange: what's in a name?
Geothermal energy has been used to heat and air condition buildings for several decades, and, during that time, these geothermal systems have been called many different things. Some of the more popular variations include geo-thermal, geo exchange, ground-water, ground-water assisted, ground-water-source, water-to-water, and heating and cooling.
Heating
During the heating cycle, a geothermal heat pump uses the earth loop to extract heat from the ground. As the system pulls heat from the loop it distributes it through a conventional duct system as warm air. The same heat energy can also be used for a radiant floor system or domestic hot water heating.
Cooling
In the cooling mode, the heating process is reversed — creating cool, conditioned air throughout the home. Instead of extracting heat from the ground, heat is extracted from the air in your home and either moved back into the earth loop, or used to preheat the water in your hot water tank.
Facts on Earth Loops
Basic Geothermal Energy Sources
Closed-loop systems circulate a water-based solution through a "loop system" of small-diameter, high-density polyethylene underground pipes. At Somerset we drill and install vertical closed loops.
Open-loop systems use an existing water well for the supply and another water well drilled to the same depth for the return, but with well-water quality here on the Eastern Shore open loop is not a good choice for a worry-free, efficient geothermal system.
Overall, heat is transferred to or from the structure, regardless of outdoor temperature, to provide year-round comfort.
Victory for the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry
Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credits Reinstated
Federal legislation was passed to extend federal tax credits for residential and commercial installations of GHPs.
MORE INFORMATIONService contracts available!
Ready to go geothermal?
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