Geothermal Heat Pump Products

Understanding Geothermal Heat Pumps

Whether you want to replace HVAC with a heat pump or are building a new energy-efficient home or commercial building, it’s important to understand heat pumps.

• What is a heat pump?

  As the name implies, a heat pump moves heat. They are regularly used in HVAC systems.

  Heat pumps operate similarly to traditional air conditioning systems that use refrigerant. With a heat pump, however, you don’t need a separate furnace, as a reversing valve lets the system do both.

  Heat pumps are highly efficient since they transfer heat rather than generating it. In fact, they are a cornerstone of energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings.

• What is a geothermal heat pump?

  There are two common types of heat pumps: air source and geothermal. As the names imply, the difference between the two types is the source of energy.

  Whereas air source heat pumps access the heat in the air for operation, geothermal heat pumps — also known as ground source heat pumps — use the ground. The earth maintains a relatively moderate and constant temperature, making it the perfect medium for pulling and dumping heat.

• How much ground do I need to install a ground source heat pump?

  We have great news! All you need is a 10’ x 10’ outside area!

• When should I use one?

  Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) are used in residential and commercial applications. They are also increasingly used in energy-efficient communities to deliver the power needed to operate GSHPs in each home and building.

  Geothermal heat pump installation is one of the four steps to energy efficiency: 

  1. Invest in proper insulation
  2. Install a heat pump
  3. Create your own power
  4. Store extra energy

   

  In addition to being a green solution, a heat pump may also help you save money on your utility bills in different ways. GSHPs can be eligible for tax credits or rebates at the local, state, or federal level, including from your utility provider.

• What are the benefits of geothermal vs. air source heat pumps?

  When compared to air source heat pumps, ground source systems are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air.

• What are the components of a geothermal heat pump?

  There are four primary components of GSHP installation:

  Ground Loop. The heat transfer takes place in a ground loop field that is buried in your yard or outdoor space.

  Flow Center. The flow center will be placed on a wall near the indoor heat pump unit, where it pumps the water-based solution from the ground loop field to the unit.

  Indoor Heat Pump. Using evaporators and condenser coils that carry refrigerant, the indoor unit absorbs and releases heat.

  Conditioned Distribution Methodology. Commercial and residential geothermal heat pumps provide either forced air heating and cooling or radiant heating.  

• Is this the best option for me?

  The cost of geothermal heat pumps is higher than you’ll find with traditional or air source heat pumps because of the need to install a ground loop. However, it is a longer-term solution. The internal components last 25 years or more, and the outdoor system can last up to 50 or more years.

  Pricing aside, we can’t say if this type of system is the best option for you without getting to know your setup. Here are some of the factors to consider:

  • What are your long-term goals?
  • Where are you located, and how much outdoor space do you have?
  • How much of your home or building will rely on the system?
  • What is your installation and operating budget?
  • Do you have access to drillers and knowledgeable contractors?

  To determine your best option, speak with one of our energy-efficiency experts; we’re happy to provide guidance on heat pump options and more! We’ll give you a free design and quote for both a geothermal heat pump system and a solar power solution (if requested).