Geothermal Heat Pump-Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heating is a process that has been used since the Roman times. It is a way of heating buildings/spas by utilising sources of hot water that already exist near the earth's surface. In places where Geothermal resources are available it is possible to distribute hot water to multiple buildings. The Geothermal Heating process is seen frequently in countries such as; Reykjavik, Iceland, Idaho and the USA.

In more recent years Geothermal Heating has been done through the use of a Geothermal heat pump. This heating and air conditioning system uses the earth's ability to store heat in the ground and in water thermal masses. These masses absorb and hold heat. During sunny days when heat is not needed, this thermal mass stores the heat and then releases it when the weather becomes overcast or during night time when the atmosphere has cooled down.

A Geothermal Heat Pump uses land mass as a heat exchanger and operates on the ground. It will stay at the temperature of 50 °F (10 °C) all year round, with a water-source heat pump using the available heat in winter and putting it back into the ground in the summer.

Electricity produced from renewable sources such as solar and wind power can also be used by a Geothermal Heat Pump to heat spaces and water. This renewable energy can be more efficient than an electric heater at heating spaces and water.

By using this renewable energy through a Geothermal Heat Pump it heats buildings without the need to transport and burn biomass on the site. Geothermal Heat Pumps are also straightforward and do not require a high knowledge of technology.

A Geothermal Heat Pump differs from a furnace or boiler as it can transfer heat and not just produce it. Although it does cost more to install a Geothermal Heat Pump; having one to heat your home and or business is cost effective as it will save you on average between 35 and 70% on your heating and air conditioning costs. The reason behind the height of the installation cost is because the age, the geology of the area, location of your property and square footage of living area has to be taken into consideration.

There are three components that are required for a Geothermal Heat Pump:

• A loop Field - this can be either horizontal or vertical. A loop field is a series of looped tubes that carry heated water from the ground to the heat pump. The length and capacity of the loop fields vary, the bigger the structure the bigger the length and capacity of the geothermal heating component. Also based on the geothermal unit, the liquid in the loops could be in direct contact or indirect contact with the heat source.

• Liquid Pump Pack - This sends water through the loop field and the water source heat pump

• Water Source Heat Pump - This heat pump replaces the furnace or boiler. The heat from the loop field is transferred via this pump to heat the property.

A Geothermal Heat Pump is environmentally friendly, a renewable source of energy, non polluting and becoming one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems that are available

By Helen Cox