For many decades now, geothermal heating has been used in homes and offices in the U.S and around the world. These systems are designed to work in harmony with nature, heating and cooling any commercial building or home without emitting greenhouse gases or burning any fuel. As the leading provider of heat pump maintenance in Phoenixville, we’ve created this piece to explain how geothermal heating works and outline some of the benefits that it provides.
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
Geothermal cooling and heating are also referred to as geo-exchange, ground source heating and cooling, or geothermal. These are all just different ways of describing the same service, so there’s no need to be confused when these names are interchanged. Geothermal heating is a term given to describe a heating process that utilizes the Earth’s crust, 12 to 400 feet beneath a building, to heat and cool the premises.
Winter Operation
Underground pipes known as ground loops are used to circulate water, which can absorb the earth’s heat and carry it to an indoor heat pump. The heat pump then extracts all heat from the liquid, distributing it through the building as warm air. Once the heat is removed, the water is recirculated, collecting more heat from the ground. In these cases, the loop water is warmer as it recirculates into the heat pump than when it loops back into the earth as the heat has been removed.
Summer Operation
During the summertime, your indoor heat pump takes the hot air away from your home, removing heat during this process. Cool air is left behind, which is distributed via vents in the form of air conditioning. The heat that is removed from the air is re-injected into the earth via the ground loop. In these instances, the water is warmer as it leaves the home compared to when it returns, since heat has been re-injected back into it.
Sizing a Geothermal Heat Pump
The size of a geothermal heat pump varies in accordance with the size of a commercial building or home. There are several factors used to determine what size of pump is required. Sizing these devices is a complex process and is best completed by qualified geothermal heat pump contractors or engineers. They begin by undertaking an energy analysis or audit, which helps to determine the heating and cooling demands of a building. The size of the system dictates the size of the loop field required. By working with an experienced contractor, the system will be accurately designed for longevity and low operating costs.
For additional information, or to schedule Heat pump maintenance in Norristown, contact a member of the New Age Air team today.