The Basics On Geothermal Heating & Cooling

How Does It Work?

Simple Answer

Geothermal Heating & Cooling is using the earth’s relatively moderate and constant temperature to Heat & Cool your home.

During the winter months the system extracts the warmer temperatures from the earth to heat your home and during the summer months the system pulls the heat from your home and replaces it with the cooler temperatures from the earth.

So instead of your heating & cooling systems having to manufacture the heat or cool air, you get it for free from the earth.

Technical Answer

Your own backyard has the potential to be an energy source for heating and cooling comfort. Outdoor air temperatures fluctuate throughout the year with the changing seasons. In contrast, ground temperatures about four to six feet below the Earth’s surface remain relatively moderate and constant all year. That’s because the Earth absorbs 47% of all the heat energy that reaches its surface from the sun. A geothermal system circulates a water-based solution through a buried loop system to take advantage of these constant temperatures. A single piece of equipment has the ability to heat and cool your home, while providing some or all of your home’s hot water as well. Geothermal systems can save you 30% to 70% on your monthly utility bills.

Geothermal Heating

In the heating mode, the water circulating in the earth loop is colder than the surrounding ground. This causes the water to absorb energy, in the form of heat, from the earth. The water carries this energy to the heat exchanger in the pump. In the heat exchanger, refrigerant absorbs the heat energy from the water. The water now leaves the heat exchanger at a colder temperature, and circulates through the earth loop to pick up more energy.

The refrigerant gas, which contains energy gained from the earth loop, travels from the heat exchanger to the compressor. In the compressor, the refrigerant temperature rises to 160°. From the compressor, the superheated refrigerant travels to the air heat exchanger. Here, the heat pump’s blower circulates air across the air coil, increasing the temperature of the air, which is blown through ductwork to heat the home. After refrigerant releases its heat energy to the air, it then flows to the earth loop heat exchanger to start the cycle again.

Geothermal Cooling

In the cooling mode, the water circulating in the earth loop is warmer than the surrounding ground. This causes the water to release energy, in the form of heat, into the earth. The water, now cooler from traveling through the ground now flows to the heat exchanger in the heat pump. In the heat exchanger, hot refrigerant gas from the compressor releases its heat into the water. This causes the water to increase temperature, which it releases to the ground.

The refrigerant, which has released its heat energy and became a cold liquid, now travels to the heat exchanger. Here the heat pump’s blower circulates warm, humid air across the cold air coil. The air is then blown through ductwork to cool the home. The refrigerant in the air coil picks up the heat energy from the air, and travels to the compressor. When the refrigerant leaves the compressor, it then flows to the earth loop heat exchanger to start the cycle again.

BRAND NAMES GEOTHERMAL

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Efficient, advanced heat pump technology using ground-source energy

Carrier

Innovative Carrier geothermal heat pumps tap into the earth’s surface to use the energy and relatively consistent heat found in soil or surface water as a heat source–instead of using outside air like traditional heat pumps. Like other Carrier heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps provide both cooling and heating to your home, and are able to maintain the highest efficiency on even the coldest winter nights.

E Series

WaterFurance EW Series Geothermal Hydronic System

The EW Series from WaterFurnace are a smart choice for:

• radiant floor heating
• domestic water heating
• pool or spa heating
• snow melt applications

WaterFurnace geothermal systems can reduce your water heating costs by as much as 60% per year.

To find out more information about Geothermal Heating & Cooling (Call) 215 949-1331 And set up an in home consultation with one of Ivey Air Inc. Home Comfort Specialists.