Geothermal heat pumps are considered the most environmentally responsible choice for temperature control.
This type of heat pump not only provides both heating and cooling capacity but draws heat energy out of the ground.
It uses an underground loop system to take advantage of the renewable energy source provided by the sun. At any time of year, no matter the weather, the underground temperature remains fairly constant. There is heat available. While the excavation necessary to install the underground loop makes this type of system a lot more expensive than a more conventional option, it also offers amazing energy efficiency. Rather than burn fossil fuels to generate heat, the loop absorbs heat out of the ground and transfers it into the house. This process is wonderfully clean and quiet, avoiding issues with carbon monoxide, fumes or greenhouse gasses. In the summer, the heat pump reverses operation to pull heat out of the house and transfer it into the ground. This creates a cooling effect, much like a traditional air conditioner. Heat pumps don’t cause issues with overly dry air in the winter and help to combat excess moisture in the summer. Geothermal systems create four times the amount of energy needed to operate the equipment, achieving efficiency ratings upwards of 400%. There’s also the added bonus of free hot water. With the installation of a valve, the geothermal heat pump will provide the hot water for the household at no cost. Because the heat pump is installed indoors, it can be expected to last at least twenty years. The underground loop is warrantied for 50 years but should last for twice that.
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