Is a Geothermal Heat Pump Worth it?

The domestic geothermal heating system can be a good way to heat the home, replace the stove, and be marked as a good way to save money. The question is, are they worth the hype? First take a quick look at how they work.

What is a geothermal heat pump system?

Basically, a geothermal heating system consists of a fluid-filled pipe loop, which is used to exchange heat with the soil, remove heat from the fluid, concentrate the heat, and then use a pipe system to transfer it to the heat pump of the building.

The core of a geothermal heat pump consists of a heat exchanger, a compressor, and a control system for regulating the process. The fluid used can be ground water, or water mixed with antifreeze or other suitable refrigerants, and this water circulates in the ground circuit.

How does the geothermal heat pump system work?

In winter, the underground temperature is higher than the surface air, so the cold liquid flowing down from the house absorbs heat from the ground and brings it into the house. The heat pump then compresses the liquid and raises the temperature of the liquid, thereby warming the air. Then warm air circulates around the house and exchanges with cooler air. The liquid cooled in this process is pumped back to the ground to continue this cycle, forming a closed cycle.

In summer, the process is reversed. The lower temperature refrigerant absorbs heat from the house, and the temperature of the house is now higher than that of the underground, so the principle is exactly the same as before, but the opposite is true. The heated liquid transfers heat from the house to the ground and then back to the cooled house.

Geothermal home heating system Types:

1. The vertical closed-loop geothermal system has a sealed U-shaped high-density polyethylene pipe, which carries a heat transfer fluid (usually a water/methanol mixture) in a continuous loop loop, allowing heat exchange by conduction. As the liquid returns to the surface, it is heated or cooled according to the season, and the extra or reduced heat in the water is used to condition the house. The required depth of this system is generally more than 300 feet, and the cost is calculated in feet. Through the nose, but through the feet.

2. The horizontal closed-loop geothermal system works in the same way as the vertical system, except that the pipeline runs 6 to 10 feet underground. Installation involves digging ditches (at least 300 feet), not wells.

The installation cost of a horizontal ground source heat pump system may be lower, but it requires a lot of space and will cause considerable damage to any ecosystem located on its intended path. For a given length of pipe, horizontal loop systems are slightly less efficient than vertical loop systems because they are more susceptible to surface temperature. Another disadvantage is that if or when there is a leak in the circuit, using a horizontal pad or grid system, the entire garden area must be dug again to look for the tiny leak that is losing system pressure.

3. The open-loop geothermal system uses groundwater drawn directly from a water supply well (75 to 100 feet deep) to absorb and inject heat. Water is drawn from the first well and injected into the second well after heat exchange.

The open loop system has very high thermal efficiency, and the installation cost is 50% lower than that of the vertical closed loop system. However, the conditions required for the normal operation of these systems are rare in urban areas because they require abundant groundwater sources and high groundwater levels.

Common problems of installing geothermal heat pump system

1. How much can you save by using geothermal energy?

Geothermal heat pumps use 25-50% less electricity than traditional heating and cooling systems, and can reduce energy consumption by up to 72% even when compared with standard resistance heating with central air conditioning.

2. How long can the geothermal system last?

The service life of the components of the geothermal heat pump heating and cooling system is much longer than that of the traditional HVAC system. Unlike the standard 15 years for furnaces or air conditioners, your indoor geothermal components can be reliably operated for up to 25 years, while outdoor piping systems can last for up to 50 years!

3. What is the effect of geothermal heating?

The geothermal heat pump always works at a speed of about 400%. When compared with a 78-90% fuel stove, it is easy to see which is better. These systems are currently the most efficient heating systems and can save you the most energy costs.

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal heating?

The advantage is that they are very efficient and are about 400% more efficient than traditional furnaces. This is also renewable energy, so it is good for you, good for the environment, and good for your energy bill. Your energy bill will be significantly reduced. The disadvantage is that in order for this system to work, it still needs electricity. It also uses a lot of water and can be expensive to install.

5. Is geothermal heating and cooling worthwhile?

In the final analysis, it depends on the customer, but if your goal is to save energy bills, this is a good solution. These systems will last a long time and generate a lot of heat and cold air for you. It is pulled directly from the ground, so it is an excellent energy saver and is also good for the environment.

6. How deep are you digging for geothermal heating?

The trenches dug for this purpose are usually about 4-6 feet deep and about 400 feet long. These types of systems usually require 500-600 feet of pipe. This is part of the reason these systems can be very expensive.

7. Where can I get a geothermal system?

If you need to buy a geothermal system. Please contact us. As a professional geothermal heat pump manufacturer. We will give you a free quotation service.