| How geothermal heat pumps work? Geothermal | | | | do not need electricity. However, other routine |
| heat pumps, unlike air source electric heat pumps | | | | expenses associated with the GSHPs may be |
| or dual-fuel heat pumps extract heat from the | | | | costly. |
| ground. These types of pumps can transfer heat | | | | The good news is that geothermal heat systems |
| to inside air, or use a natural resource like water, | | | | work and not only for heating. They also work as |
| ground or rock as a source of heat. They are | | | | a heat sink for summer months. These pumps |
| also capable of transferring heat to a water tank. | | | | actually take advantage of the earth's stable |
| By nature, these types of pumps are usually far | | | | resources, unlike air source electric pumps which |
| more effective than air source pumps. Why? | | | | are volatile depending on the earth's |
| Because air source systems are limited by the air | | | | resources-specifically, the outside temperature |
| outside. Geothermal pumps can derive heat from | | | | and wind. |
| the ground or ground water, and these resources | | | | Some geothermal pumps can actually be |
| are obviously stable in temperature. The | | | | combined with solar heating to form a geosolar |
| temperature differential is lower and this in turn | | | | system and can enjoy even higher efficiency. |
| allows higher efficiency as regards setting an | | | | Interestingly, this form of pump was first created |
| indoor temperature. Most of these pumps have | | | | in 1852 and physically realized in 1940. |
| COPs of 3.5-4.0, which are often times higher | | | | Manufacturers of geothermal heat pumps include |
| than air source pumps can perform. | | | | companies like Addison, ClimateMaster, Econar, |
| Are there are disadvantages to using geothermal | | | | McQuay Enfinity and Rheem. The Rheem Prestige |
| heat pumps? They are more expensive to install. | | | | Series® RPRL- JEZ Two-Stage operates at 17 |
| Consumers would have to dig wells or trenches in | | | | SEER and 9.50 HSPF. It also uses earth-friendly |
| order to properly place the pipes that will help in | | | | refrigerant. While these systems are naturally |
| heat transfer. So while they are more efficient, | | | | based heating pumps, some models like the |
| they are not as cost-effective as the alternative. | | | | Econar GeoSource 2000 Forced Air, still have |
| In addition to being cheaper to set up, air source | | | | electrical controls. |
| pumps are also cheaper to maintain, and can save | | | | If you can afford the high setup costs, this may |
| a bundle on electricity expenses. Since geothermal | | | | prove to be an efficient system for you. |
| pumps are deriving energy from the ground, they | | | | |