How They Work:
Below the frost line the temperature of the earth is fairly constant. GHP systems take advantage of this to provide efficient, year-round comfort conditioning and essentially free domestic hot water. The system does not operate by heating or cooling air with fuel, but instead moves heat from the ground to the building or vice versa. This innovative approach taps an inexhaustible source of energy, making GHP's a better alternative than burning scarce, nonrenewable fossil fuels.
GHP's fall into two broad categories:
Closed-Loop Systems circulate water or an environmentally safe antifreeze solution through plastic pipes buried beneath the earth's surface. The fluid absorbs heat from the earth and transfers it to the building in the winter, then reverses to draw heat from the building and returns it to the ground in the summer.
Open-Loop Systems operate on the same principle and can be installed where an adequate supply of suitable water is available and open discharge is feasible. The plastic pipe used for the heat exchanger loop can be installed three ways: Horizontally, vertically, or in a pond or lake. |
Advantages of GHP's Low Operating Cost:
GHP's reduce heating and cooling costs and provide domestic water heating essentially free or at substantial savings.
Low Maintenance Costs:
GHP's have fewer mechanical components, making them more reliable, easier to service and less prone to failure. The ground heat exchanger and its associated piping has an expected life of over 50 years.
- Durability: GHP's last much longer than conventional HVAC systems because they are protected from harsh outdoor weather.
- Low Noise: GHP Systems are among the quietest ever designed.
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