How
Geothermal Works
A geothermal system uses solar energy stored
in the ground to heat and cool your home. The earth absorbs 47% of the
sun's energy (heat) all year round. Even in the winter, when a blanket of
snow covers the ground, the earth's temperature remains approximately 10°C
(50°F) six feet below the surface. This means that you have a steady
supply of energy to keep you warm during the winter and cool in the
summer. There are 3 main components of a geothermal system: a ground loop,
a heat pump and a distribution system. The Ground
The Pipes
A series
of pipes (ground loop) is buried under your yard. An anti-freeze solution
is circulated through the pipes making the loop a highly efficient
conductor of energy. In the winter, the solution absorbs the heat from the
ground and is pumped through the geothermal unit in your home.
In the summer, the process is reversed. The
fluid in the pipes leaves the home in a warm state, and after it
circulates underground, it returns cooler.
The ground loop is connected to a geothermal
unit located in your home.
The
Geothermal Unit
Forced Air
This type
of distribution allows the system to use your existing infrastructure to
circulate hot and cool air throughout your home. This is the most common
application and sometimes requires an update to your ductwork. A forced
air unit will continuously circulate air through your home, keeping
the temperature consistent and you comfortable.
Water to Water
Commonly
used for residential applications requiring energy efficient
water-to-water heat transfer, these systems can pre-heat or cool make-up
air. It can also be installed as a stand-alone boiler/chiller in most
hydronic heating applications such as radiant floors and fan coil heating
/cooling. |