Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps operate like air-to-air heat pumps, moving heat rather than creating heat; however, they use the ground or water to absorb or dissipate heat. And, because the ground or water temperatures are much more constant year-round, warmer in winter and cooler in summer, geothermal heat pumps operate more efficiently. Geothermal systems circulate water or refrigerant between an underground network of pipes and heat pumps located inside the house. Geothermal systems are fast becoming the system of choice all over the country. They can be installed into a new or existing home. Listed below are just some of the outstanding qualities of this type of system.
- Durable. The savings don't end with your heating and cooling bill. This system is highly reliable. Since it has no defrost cycle, there is less wear on critical components and no loss of operating efficiency. Housed indoors, the geothermal heat pump isn't subject to harsh weather conditions. So it requires little maintenance, and can last for many years.
- Comfortable. A geothermal heat pump lets you live in comfort. By heating and cooling in an even fashion, it eliminates hot and cold spots. And since a geothermal system doesn't generate air as hot as that from a gas furnace, your home maintains a comfortable level of humidity and temperature.
- Environmentally safe. Geothermal heat pumps help minimize environmental threats posed by the burning of fossil fuels, like acid rain, air pollution, and the greenhouse effect. And because the system has no outdoor components, it won't add to noise pollution. In fact, you won't even be able to tell when it's on.
- Non-allergenic. If you have allergies or asthma, a furnace won't do you any favors. But since a geothermal system doesn't require outside air for combustion, spores and pollen aren’t drawn into your house during allergy season. In addition, the system runs longer than a gas furnace, so it filters the air more. And filtered air is clean air.
- Clean. A geothermal system won't add combustion by-products into your home. There are no pilot lights, no chimneys, no odors, no fumes—and no worries.
- Hot water. With a geothermal system your hot water is virtually free in the summer as excess hot water is extracted from your home. Year-round these systems are up to 30 percent less expensive to operate because they reduce the amount of electricity or gas consumed by your water heater.
Customer Satisfaction
If you're still not convinced that a geothermal system is right for you, ask someone who owns one. A survey published by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association found that 97 percent of geothermal system owners would purchase one again, and 99 percent would recommend one to a friend.
A Few Tips on Purchasing a System
Look for equipment that is certified by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), a nonprofit organization that rates residential and small commercial systems.
To ensure that you get a high-quality system, make sure any performance guarantee is for a completed heat pump system covering the equipment and installation, and is not limited to the heat pump itself.
If your system is too large, it will waste energy, and it won't provide proper humidity control. So be sure that your contractor determines your home's heating and cooling requirements by using accepted measures, such as those recommended by the Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA).
Consult the Quality Contractor Network (QCN) for an experienced contractor. The contractor should select the size of your system, the type of loop, and the fluid to be circulated in the loop. In addition, the contractor should examine your home to make sure it is as energy-efficient as possible. Homes that are more energy-efficient require smaller systems.
Enjoy Tomorrow's Heater Today
To learn more about installing a geothermal heat pump in your home, call your local power company for a list of QCN members in your area, or visit the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium Web site.
