A couple of years ago, Johnson Senior High School in St. Paul, Minn., routinely experienced heavy traffic in the nurse’s office. As temperatures increased, the students became increasingly uncomfortable, complaining of headaches and feeling too hot. There was only so much relief that ice packs and water bottles could provide. The following year, the school decided to invest in a new ground source heat pump system. Temperatures and humidity decreased, and students were much better equipped to focus on their studies without feeling overheated and anxious. 

The school is just one example of the transformative power of ground source heat pumps. These systems, also known as geothermal heat pumps, provide consistent heating and cooling by leveraging the cooler, consistent temperatures underground. They are paramount when it comes to humidity control, which leads to increased comfort and health advantages.  

How Ground Source Heat Pumps Integrate Dehumidification  

Ground source heat pumps naturally dehumidify the air. The process begins with heat absorption, which occurs when the system is in cooling mode. The ground source heat pump extracts heat from the indoor air and in turn, transfers it to the ground through a heat exchange loop. Then, condensation occurs. The warm air is cooled, and the moisture in the air then condenses on the cold evaporator coils of the ground source heat pump system. During this stage, humidity is removed from the air. Then, the condensed moisture is drained away through pipes.  

Since ground source heat pumps leverage the Earth’s underground temperatures, which remain relatively consistent throughout the year, it becomes easier for these types of systems to manage humidity, compared to conventional systems.  

The Benefits of Humidity Control on Comfort and Health 

High humidity certainly impacts comfort and overall health. For starters, humidity can make the air seem even warmer than it is, causing discomfort and making it harder for the body to cool itself. Excess moisture in the air can also lead to mold, mildew and allergens, which could trigger allergies and asthma. Poor humidity control can also damage the building, creating wood rot, rusting or other deterioration of materials.  

By efficiently monitoring indoor humidity, there will be consistent, clean air circulation—and the people inside will feel the difference. While mold, mildew and allergens become less likely, there is also increased comfort and a better sense of cleanliness.  

Why Ground Source Heat Pumps Are More Efficient 

When it comes to humidity control, ground source heat pumps are more efficient than conventional systems. While traditional dehumidification systems typically require multiple systems, the integrated system of ground source heat pumps includes dehumidification. This can reduce energy costs and energy consumption while increasing efficiency. These systems can also more efficiently reach a desired temperature, rather than over or under-cooling or heating a building. They regulate humidity based on real-time, accurate data and can strike a better balance between indoor temperatures and humidity levels.  

Ground source heat pumps represent the wave of the future. As more schools follow the lead of Johnson Senior High School in St. Paul, many other buildings around the world are updating their heating and cooling systems as well. As these systems become updated, big changes in sustainability and overall comfort will follow.