Heat Pump

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps come in two main varieties: ground-source geothermal heat pumps (GSHP) and water-source geothermal heat pumps. These two types of geothermal heat pumps should be differentiated from less efficient air-source heat pumps which do not use geothermal energy but rely on the air temperature to warm a connected building.
How much does a geothermal heat pump cost?
Request Geothermal Estimates

Ground-Source Geothermal Heat Pumps

Also known as GeoExchange, ground-source geothermal heat pumps, utilize geothermal heat in the ground rather than in lakes, ponds or other water sources. These ground-sourced heat pumps come in various loop configurations. You can read more about each layout at geothermal loop systems.

Direct Exchange Geothermal Heat Pumps

Direct Exchange systems, a subset of ground-source heat pumps, offer more bang for the buck than other geothermal alternatives. DX heat pump systems pass the refrigerant through copper tubing which is more efficient than water-sourced heat pumps because it requires no heat transfer through a water medium. This enhanced efficiency allows for less piping and coils which translates to a lower end user cost.

Water-Source Geothermal Heat Pumps

Water-source geothermal heat pumps utilize the constant temperatures stored in bodies of water. The temperature from the water is transfered when refrigerant is forced through the tubes or piping in or around a water source. In a closed loop water system only the heat from the water is transferred into the geothermal system and not the water itself as in an open loop system.

Disclaimer: This article offers general guidelines and is not intended as professional advice.