Ground Source Heat Pumps

The ground source heat pump is also known as a central heat and air system. This is because a single unit can provide heat during the cool weather months and air conditioning during the summer months. But unlike other systems, this electric powered one is able to harness energy as a solar collector from the earth.

How The Ground Source Heat Pump Functions

A ground source heat pump system uses the earth’s basic constant temperature to provide heating and cooling. The reason this works is due to the fact that the earth absorbs almost half of the solar energy on the planet. This works efficiently because of a specially made underground pipe system, called the loop. In this pipe system, water is circulated and since it works in this manner it is more efficient than a heating and cooling unit that pulls from the air. Even just a gas heating unit during cold months cannot provide heat as efficiently as a system with a loop.

The Loop

During the summer months, this loop is able to collect the warm air and transfer it into the loop while sending cool air into the home. Other air conditioning units pull in warm air from outside, sending it through a condenser and then into the home, but do not pull the warm air from the home out and are unable to work as efficiently as ground source heat pumps.

The Differences From A Traditional System

There are distinct differences between a ground source heat pump and a traditional heat and or air unit that include:

• The ground source heat pump can be installed inside the home, but a traditional heat and air unit with a condenser is installed outside of the home. This can result in it not working to its possible capacity because the sun and cold wind can affect the unit.
• The ground source heat pump pipes or loop are installed outside but under the ground where wind or sun will not affect how well the pump works, whereas the traditional unit installed outdoors can be damaged during storms or other events that can result in either expensive repairs or replacement.
• Ground source heat pump systems cost less to run annually even though they use electricity when compared to the cost of running a traditional air and heat unit.
• After installing the ground source system, there is no unsightly outdoor equipment visible since the loop will be underground. The traditional heat and air system is installed outdoors and is rather large. It will also require maintenance both winter and in the summer to keep it running properly.
• The installed ground source heat pump unit inside the home and buried loop have no unsightly ascetics like homes that depend on window air conditioning units to provide cool air during hot weather months.

Types Of Ground Source Heat Pump Systems

There are different types of this kind of system that can be used for home heating and cooling. This technology offers a direct exchange unit with a closed loop, opened loop, a vertical loop, or a horizontal loop. When deciding on this type of system it is important to speak with a professional to determine the type of loop that is right for the home and property. If you would like more information, or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact AirOne Heating and Air Conditioning Repair, located in San Marcos, TX.