Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps have been around for over 30 years but they have risen in popularity lately due to higher energy costs, consumers concern for the environment, and the affordability of a geothermal system through tax credit programs the government is offering.

Geothermal or “ground-source” heat pump is an electrically powered heating and cooling system that uses the natural heat storage ability of the earth and or the earth’s ground water to heat and cool your home. Like any type of heat pump, it moves heat from one place to another. By using refrigeration, the geothermal heat pump removes heat stored in the earth and transfers it to the home. While during the summer months the heat in your home is transferred into the ground.

When we install a Geothermal system we need to coordinate with a company to drill the well or dig the trenches for the loop. There are two types of loops, a closed loop and an open loop. A closed loop is a term used to describe the plastic pipe that is buried in the ground. This pipe is connected to the indoor heat pump to form a sealed or a “closed loop” system. Inside the closed loop will be a mixture of water and anti-freeze solution which is used to transfer the heat of the ground to the heat pump system. An open loop system is another option where a well is drilled and water is pumped up through the system and then it is pumped back into the ground. Depending on your application your land and other factors we can assist you in identifying what type of loop is best for you.

The cost of a geothermal heat pump can be 3 to 5 times more than a typical air source heat pump system but since you are using the energy that the ground has absorbed from the sun these systems can be 30%-50% more efficient than a typical heat pump which will dramatically reduce your monthly electric bill. Plus, with the government incentives and tax breaks a geothermal heat pump system may not be as big of an investment as you may originally anticipated.

If you are interested in learning more about a Geothermal heat pump system please click here and we will contact you or call us at 301-926-3253.