How Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work?

With an increased awareness of energy conservation, many people have turned to using geothermal heat pumps to generate heat in to their homes. The concept is fairly simple to understand.

What They Are

A geothermal heat pump is a heating system that doesn’t use traditional methods to heat your home. It is much more energy-efficient than the traditional HVAC systems you find in older homes. The heat pump consists of an outdoor unit, a condenser, and an indoor unit, called an evaporator coil.You will spend less money on your utility bills each month, and help to conserve energy by using a geothermal heat pump.

How They Work

A geothermal heat pump works by pulling heat from the earth as opposed to pulling it from the air. The heat that the earth produces is more stable than heat from the air. A refrigerant carries the heat in the home from one area to the next, compressing it in a high-pressure, high-temperature liquid format.

Most of the geothermal pump unit will be underground. The refrigerant travels through the ductwork into the ground where it is naturally heated. Once heated, it returns to the home and spreads the heat through the house. Geothermal heat pumps rely on the stable and even heat provided by the earth to provide not only air heating inside the home, but water heating as well.