The Efficiency of Geothermal Heating and Cooling

by | Jan 9, 2014 | Air Conditioning

Geothermal heating and cooling is a renewable technology because it uses very little electricity to operate. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that rely heavily on the use of electricity, a geothermal system relies on the temperature within the ground to heat and cool your home. In fact, some proponents of geothermal systems believe that this type of heating and cooling is more energy efficient than wind power. Homeowners who want renewable resources for their home will find that installing a geothermal system can save them money while helping to reduce the carbon footprint. If coupled with a solar panel system, homeowners trying to be as energy efficient as possible will find that geothermal heating and cooling and solar power energy make a great pairing.

How a Geothermal System Works

A geothermal system uses the subterranean temperature to cool and heat a home. While the outside climate changes, the temperature within the ground tends to remain the same. This allows your system to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year round. The three main parts of a geothermal system include the heat pump, the heat exchange loop, and the delivery system. When the outside weather is cold, the geothermal heating system pulls warmth from the earth and pushes it through the loop system, where it’s raised to a higher temperature before being delivered into your home. In the summer, the system pulls warmth from your home and pushes it through the loop system where it returns at a lower temperature to cool your home.

Geothermal Systems Use No Water

There is a misconception that geothermal systems use up lots of water. In fact, these systems don’t consume any water. The water that is used to operate the system is returned over and over again, as it passes through the loop. If there is an underground water supply, an installer can tap into that and the water will return to the aquifer as it passes through the system.

While there is a need for water in order to operate the geothermal heating and cooling, there is no actual water consumption by the unit. This is in stark contrast to a traditional system where water often evaporates unused in a cooling tower. If you’re looking for energy efficient, environmentally friendly way to cool and heat your home, a geothermal system may be the solution you need.

To learn more about geothermal heating and cooling systems, visit R A Heating.

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