Heat pumps are the most common ways to get warmth for homes – but they do come with a caution. As a heat pump should draw off heat from the outdoor air to provide heat to the indoors, the deep cold temperature will cut into the energy efficiency of the heat pump.
However, this is where geothermal systems can help you. Usually, geothermal heat pumps or the ground source heat pumps are one of the most reliable heating systems to be utilized year round. Regardless of the frigid temperature in the outdoor, they can offer a level of savings that can surpass the standard heat pumps and furnaces both electric and gas.
Though geothermal heat pumps make up a very certain niche in the HVAC industry, there are still a plenty of choices to choose from. Therefore, you should make a decision according to your property.
There are three major types of geothermal systems that are discussed below:
1. Closed Loop Systems –
Closed loop systems use a length of tubing like plastic that is circulated with coiled and antifreeze deep underground. A special device known as a heat ex-changer conducts heat derived from the loop to the refrigerant in the above-ground unit – which again controls the temperature of your home. In fact, the closed loop systems can be installed in different configurations like vertical, horizontal, in pond or lake.
2. Open Loop Systems –
Open loop systems use surface body or well water to control temperature instead of antifreeze. Then, the water is circulated throughout the system; and run through a heat exchanger like the same way in a closed loop system. After that, it is discharged in a different well.
3. Hybrid Systems –
Hybrid systems utilize a combination of geothermal resources available. Though these systems vary from one installation to other, there is no standardized description.
These are all about three types of geothermal systems available for use. Now take a look at how geothermal pumps work well in winter:
How geothermal systems work in winter?
A geothermal heat pump draws heat from the outside, like the same way as a standard heat pump. The key difference is where exactly the outside of the house the pumps pull the heat.
A geothermal system uses underground loop filled with a solution of water and antifreeze to draw heat – again passes through a heat exchanger to send the heat to the refrigerant and circulates throughout the indoor parts.
Generally, the loops are located deep enough so that the frost on the ground in winter doesn’t reach there. Nevertheless the amount of cold on the ground during the winter, the pump maintains an almost constant temperature between 45°F and 50°F. This is only possible for the heat radiation from the earth’s core.
The resultant amount is more than enough to allow the geothermal heat pump work without additional hassle. In summer, it’s cool enough to ensure the easy deposition of heat energy when the geothermal systems are in cooling mode. This way, you can enjoy efficient home comfort year round.
To know more about geothermal systems, please click here.
