GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but instead of using heat found in outside air, they rely on the stable, even heat of the earth to provide heating, air conditioning and, in most cases, hot water. A few feet below the earth’s surface, the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Although the temperatures vary according to latitude, at six feet underground, temperatures range from 45 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
IN THE WINTER, the geothermal heat pump collects the Earth’s natural heat through a series of pipes, called a loop, which is instalLed below the ground surface or submersed in a pond or lake. Fluid circulates through the loop and carries the heat to the house. There, an electrically driven compressor and a heat exchanger concentrate the Earth’s energy and release it inside the home at a higher temperature. Ductwork distributes the heat to different rooms.
IN THE SUMMER, the process is reversed. The underground loop draws excess heat from the house and allows it to be absorbed by the earth. The system cools your home in the same way that a refrigerator keeps your food cool – by drawing heat from the interior, not by blowing in cold air.
It is crucial that an experienced professional who understands local conditions helps you determine what type of geothermal and loop system is best for you.