Geothermal hvac how does it work

In the end, geothermal AC usually works out to be much more affordable than conventional AC, because after the higher upfront cost, there are very low operational costs. The operational savings of geothermal AC become immediately clear when you see your electric bill: geothermal heat pumps lower your electric usage in the summer!

The best part is, after several years, your geothermal system ends up paying for itself in savings! Other relevant cost considerations are the federal, state, and utility incentives offered to homeowners who upgrade to geothermal HVAC from conventional systems. Geothermal does not burn fossil fuels to heat and cool buildings, so renewable energy programs often use financial incentives to further encourage homeowners to upgrade and go green.

Geothermal is pure convenience compared to conventional HVAC. In conventional HVAC, different appliances serve different functions. These various moving parts play their part depending on the season.

Perhaps you heat your home using a central furnace powered by natural gas, electricity, or even oil. Or maybe you have a boiler, which runs on natural gas, fuel, or oil. Maybe you use gas-fired or electric space heaters in addition to a wood-burning stove or fireplace.

Then, in the summer, none of this equipment is used and your attention turns to the central air conditioner with its various parts, both inside and outside. At a minimum, conventional heating and cooling require two distinctly different systems for different seasons.

A geothermal system is made up of only two parts: ground loops and a heat pump. This simple, straightforward, and convenient system can provide both heating and cooling, which saves you money, space, and so many headaches. Instead of installing, operating, and maintaining at least two separate pieces of HVAC equipment in your home, you could just have one that serves your home year-round. Conventional central air conditioning systems typically last between 12 to 15 years. Often, the main components significantly degenerate within the first 5 to 10 years, causing a steady decline in efficiency.

They also require more regular maintenance and are more likely to incur damage as the compressor is exposed to the elements. Key components include:. The geothermal loop also referred to as a ground loop or earth loop is a network of buried piping. The loop can be installed horizontally, coiled, or vertically on the property and be configured as open or closed.

An open loop uses a well or nearby body of water as a heat source and heat sink, and water from this source to conduct heat transfer. A closed loop holds its own fluid inside the pipes for heat transfer, which is typically a water and antifreeze mixture.

The geothermal heat pump houses the compressor, heat exchanger, and other key system components. The heat pump moves fluid through the ground loop to exchange heat between indoor air and the ground or water source. To distribute conditioned air throughout the homes, geothermal systems may be configured as forced air, or water to water.

A forced air system uses an air handler and ductwork to move air throughout the home. Geothermal systems consist of three main parts: a ground loop, a heat pump, and a distribution system. A geothermal system works by exchanging heat between the air and the ground. Ground source heat pumps are great because they also provide indoor cooling!

You should consider this highly efficient heating and cooling system for your Grand Rapids area home or business. In some markets where customers can afford the upfront costs of geothermal HVAC systems, there is a business opportunity for HVAC technicians and contractors.

Since these systems are more expensive and require training to install, HVAC business owners specializing in them could set themselves apart and enjoy higher revenues compared to installing standard HVAC equipment. Subscribe to our blog via the form to the right.

Apply Now Request Info. Out of State Students. View Scholarships. Military Students. Get Started on the Path to a New Career Fill out our form to learn how we can help you change your life.

Email Address. Phone Number.