| Geothermal heat pumps harness the temperature of | | | | These pumps work best when the ground |
| the ground or the groundwater and use it to heat or | | | | temperature averages between 50 and 75 degrees |
| cool your home. This process utilizes the natural | | | | and are suitable for heating water for bathroom and |
| temperature of the earth to control the indoor | | | | kitchen use. |
| climate of your home. | | | | Water-to-air heat pumps are most often used for |
| A loop with a compressor takes heat from the | | | | both heating and air conditioning. The water acts as a |
| ground and pumps it into the inside heating loop, | | | | heat sink that takes in the heat from the house. The |
| circulating the natural heat throughout the house. In | | | | air is then circulated around the home through the |
| the summer months, a geothermal heat pump will | | | | ductwork. In a heating capacity, a water-to-air |
| work in reverse, channeling the warmer air and | | | | geothermal heat pump works similarly to the |
| forcing it into the ground. This prevents the air | | | | water-to-water geothermal pump. |
| conditioner from having to work extra hard to cool | | | | In order for you to take full advantage of the |
| your home. | | | | benefits these energy-efficient heating and cooling |
| Geothermal heat pumps are an extremely energy | | | | systems can offer, you first need to make sure your |
| efficient way to heat and cool your home. They can | | | | home is well insulated. By minimizing heat or cooling |
| use up to 50% less energy than traditional heating | | | | leakage through unsealed windows or doors, you can |
| and cooling systems. | | | | ensure your geothermal system can work to its |
| A major benefit to using these energy saving heat | | | | maximum efficiency. The less it needs to run, the |
| systems is that you won't have to worry about | | | | more money you save on utility bills. |
| what the external air temperature is or the conditions | | | | If you're considering having a geothermal heat pump |
| of the weather outside. They do not depend on the | | | | installed, make sure you consult an experienced |
| air temperature outside, but rather the temperature | | | | heating and cooling company that can properly put in |
| of the ground. This means that your geothermal air | | | | piping that reaches far through the ground. In some |
| system will work just as efficiently on a mild day as | | | | of these new heating and cooling systems, the piping |
| a blustery winter day. | | | | needs to reach as far down as the ground water |
| There are two types of geothermal heat pump, | | | | table. Contracting a company that has extensive |
| water-to-water and water-to-air. A water-to-water | | | | experience in geothermal heat pump installation will |
| heat pump is usually used for heating only and is a | | | | ensure that your system will run properly and at its |
| replacement for the conventional oil or gas furnace. | | | | highest efficiency. |