What are Geo Thermal Systems?

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

Did you know that “geothermal” means “earth’s heat”? There is a misnomer that geothermal energy can only be used to heat a home. In actuality, geothermal energy harnesses the power of the earth’s heat to both heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. Using ground source pumps, the pumps pull either cool or warm air from underneath the ground since subterranean temperatures remain between forty and sixty degrees all year, no matter what month or season. This means that during months where the outside air temperature is cold, the ground temperature is warm, and when outside air is warm, the air below the ground is cool. The ground pump extracts cold air from the home and shifts warm air to provide the home with heat

The pump transfers energy from one place to another through coils, or loops that encompass water or anti-freeze solution to absorb the energy. After the liquid is cooled or heated, it is transferred through the system again. Ducts inside each room of the home allow either warm or cold air to enter. Lastly, a thermostat that connects to the pump will either turn the pump on or off to keep the house at the temperature set on the thermostat.

Did you know?

Rapid Cool Mechanical provides Geothermal solutions in Kamloops. They have installed and services geothermal systems in many residences in Kamloops Area. Call us on (250) 374-6858!

Also known as ground-source heat pumps or GeoExchangeSMsystems, GHPs provide many benefits to the homeowner in both new and retrofit situations. Three benefits of geothermal systems are environmentally friendly, reduction in homeowner heating/cooling costs, and a durable system. These systems also produce very little noise and require little maintenance. Some systems even supply hot water; have dual speed compressors, and fans for additional comfort and efficiency.

With rising costs of gas, oil, electric heating, and cooling systems, this technology is a cost and energy efficient breakthrough. If you are looking to upgrade your home’s heating system and are perhaps looking for something a little bit greener, then a geothermal system might be a viable option. Since geothermal energy is an abundant natural resource, it provides almost no harmful effects to the eco-system.

A geothermal system is the most economical heating and cooling system available today. Because it uses free energy from the earth, its efficiency ratings are from 300% to 400%. Geothermal systems are almost 70% more efficient than a traditional home heating system. Savings are not as dramatic, when cooling is considered, but can be almost 40% more efficient than traditional air conditioning and central air. A system like this usually takes between three to ten years for a homeowner to recoup their costs.

Another long-term benefit of the system is durability. These systems use fewer mechanical components, and because those components are sheltered from the elements, leaves, dirt, and possible vandalism, geothermal heat pumps are resilient and highly reliable. The outdoor pieces of the system can last for more than 50 years, whereas the indoor pieces last for about 25 years. On average, this is significantly longer than you can expect your furnace or air conditioner to last.