Ground Source Heat Pumps

Many people have seen and heard about ground source heat pumps (GSHP) from friends and neighbors, as well as on the radio or in publications such as this. Everyone knows that these systems are the most efficient heating and cooling systems on the market today, but we still get many questions concerning the systems here in the offices. 

Ground source energy refers to energy from the earth. Below the frost line, the temperature of the earth is fairly constant. In the winter, ground temperature is warmer than the air, and in the summer, the temperature is cooler. To take advantage of this factor, a ground source system exchanges heat with the earth through a ground heat exchanger. 

A GSHP consists of a geothermal heat pump and a network of buried pipes. These pipes, acting as a heat exchanger loop, can be installed horizontally, vertically, or in a pond or lake. In a GSHP, an environmentally safe liquid is circulated through the buried pipes.  

In winter, heat is extracted from the ground, moved into the heat pump, and distributed to heat the home. The indoor unit accomplishes this with basic heat-transfer technology, and it is similar to the way a refrigerator works. In the summer, this process is reversed. Indoor heat is taken from the building and transferred back to the earth, where it is rejected. Since GSHPs have high initial costs, it is often mistakenly viewed as an expensive option. This is not the case. With substantial savings over other conventional systems, GSHPs are proving themselves one of the most effective heating and cooling options available. Ground source systems are extremely energy efficient, delivering four times more energy than they consume. Since they only use electric power to move heat and not create it, electrical usage is decreased dramatically over the conventional forced air electric furnace. 

They have many advantages as well: 

• Cost effectiveness -- up to 60% savings on monthly heating and cooling bills. 
• Comfort -- continuous comfort with no hot or cold spots. 
• Safe and clean -- no flame, no odors. Quiet 
• Versatile -- compatible with nearly any home or business, regardless of terrain or weather conditions. 
• Environmentally -- emits no carbon dioxide or smoke into the atmosphere. 

If you have any questions about installing a ground source heat pump in your home or business, or the ground source heat pump rebates that are available, please contact the member services department.