By virtue of its necessary design elements, the ground source heat pump, or “geothermal exchange” as it is sometimes called, comes with some built-in benefits. Because the loops of the system are underground, and the heating and cooling elements are indoors, your entire system comes complete with some excellent perks.
Geothermal Heat Exchange Concept
Before we dive into the many benefits of a ground source heat pump design, it is important to understand what, precisely, we mean. The concept of using geothermal heat pumps for a home relies on one simple fact: the temperature of the earth, throughout nearly all of the United States, remains at a fairly consistent temperature. For example, in Virginia, the temperature stays between 53 and 56 degrees Fahrenheit year round, in the ground.
With a ground source heat pump system, loops are installed vertically or horizontally below the earth’s surface. The choice of design will be determined by the varying factors of the site itself. In both cases, these loops will carry a fluid, typically water, to gain warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer.
Because these consistent earth temperatures are more pleasant to a home’s inhabitants, this gathering of hot or cold energy is then used to condition the air in the home. For our example, Virginia temperatures in January are around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, colder than the ground’s temps in the mid-50s. In July, Virginia temperatures average in the upper 70s, much warmer than the mid-50s underground. Using this math, the loops installed underground can add heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.
No Outdoor Equipment
With all major equipment located either under the earth’s surface or inside the home, you are able to enjoy many benefits, some of which you may not have thought about before!
Vandalism
If you live in an area of high crime, or even a city with tighter quarters, having your equipment inaccessible to the passers-by means you are less susceptible to any damages due to vandalism.
If you aren’t sure that this happens, take this very sad story in St. Louis as an example. Vandals removed the copper tubing of a nonprofit’s roof-mounted AC units, causing $30,000 worth of damage. Not only did it leave this operation without AC, which was even more detrimental to the women and children it aimed to keep off the streets with safe housing, but it was a costly repair.
The worst part is, this wasn’t the first time, but the third time this had happened! That is both expensive and devastating to a nonprofit, Community Women Against Hardship, aimed to protect homeless from exposure to the elements.
No Noise
Another great benefit of a geothermal heat pump exchange is that there are no loud noises. If you are familiar with the typical home’s central air (or even window air conditioning units) equipment, you’re likely also familiar with the roaring sounds outside as the air kicks on inside. For homes with small yards or close proximity patios and decks, this noise can be a serious nuisance when trying to enjoy your outdoor space.
Visually Pleasing
Also adding value to your outdoor enjoyment is the lack of any massive equipment there in your own backyard. Traditional HVAC units often rely on large equipment stored right next to your home. While many try to landscape around them, that can be a dangerous hazard, shortening the lifespan of your unit. With ground source heat pumps being underground, you neve have to worry about them destroying your backyard view!
No Need for Accommodating Design
Another perk for geothermal heat pump systems is that there is no need for rooftop allowance. Your designers will have more leeway in creating your vision when building if they do not have to accommodate for massive equipment on the roof.
Options such as standing seams of a metal roof, large-degree slopes to a roof, or even rooftop decks are far more feasible if you aren’t worried about where to “hide” HVAC units
Longevity of the Equipment
This fact should be obvious, but of course having your unit underground or indoors means it is not exposed to the elements. Tree branches can’t fall on a loop placed several feet into the ground. Likewise, storms with hail or dangerous winds are not going to impact equipment that is already indoors. This means installations of looping underground can often come with a warranty for 50 years! Let’s see your A/C last half a century!
Learn More About GEO-NII
Our organization, the Geothermal National and International Initiative (GEO-NII), aims to educate all on the benefits of geothermal ground source heat pumps. If you have questions about this technology or its capabilities, don’t be afraid to reach out.
Feel free to visit us online at https://geo-nii.org/, email us at jdienna@geo-nii.org, or call 610-659-4998.