HOW DOES GEOTHERMAL HEATING & COOLING WORK?
The ground absorbs nearly half of the solar energy our planet receives. As a result, the earth remains at a constant, moderate temperature just below its surface all year round. However, air temperature varies greatly from summer to winter, making air source (traditional) heating and cooling least efficient when you need it the most.
Geothermal heating and cooling systems take advantage of the stable temperature underground using a piping system, commonly referred to as a “loop.” Water circulates in the loop to exchange heat between your home, the ground source heat pump, and the earth, providing geothermal heating, cooling, and hot water at remarkably high efficiencies.
GEOTHERMAL HEATING
During the winter, geothermal heating and cooling systems absorb heat stored in the ground through the water that circulates in its underground loop. This heat is carried to the ground source heat pumps where it’s concentrated and then sent as warm, comfortable air throughout your home.
When you need heating the most, the air outside is coldest. As a result, a traditional air source heat pump works hard to extract the amount of heat from the cold air needed to properly heat your home. In contrast, a geothermal heat pump system consumes less energy as it easily absorbs ground heat from the abundant supply stored below your home, making geothermal heating significantly more energy efficient.
Gas furnaces burn natural gas to provide heat for your home and are only 98% efficient, while geothermal systems use significantly less energy collecting heat from the earth, achieving 400-600% efficiencies.
GEOTHERMAL COOLING
During the summer, geothermal heating and cooling systems absorb heat from your home and transfer it to the underground loop where it is then absorbed by the cooler earth. The geothermal heat pump uses the cool water returning from the ground to create a cool, dehumidified air conditioning for your home.
When you need cooling the most, the outside air is hottest. A traditional air conditioner must work hard to force the heat from your home into the already heat-saturated air. In contrast, a geothermal heat pump consumes less energy as it easily rejects heat into the cool earth, making geothermal cooling significantly more energy efficient.
Are you thinking about how to make your home more energy-efficient and different sources to heat your home? Contact Ideal Comfort HVAC in Johnstown, Colorado today!