If you own a house or are in the market for one, then you should definitely consider ground source heat pumps. To make your house truly green, it is certainly one of your bert options. Here is some crucial information about them.
What is a ground source heat pump?
This uses this source of energy to heat and cool a particular region. It accesses the geothermal energy from the ground. To implement this system, the pump is positioned within 10 feet of the surface of the Earth. The temperature range of the area is constantly between 50°-61° Fahrenheit, (or 10°-16° Celsius). As a result, the pump is able to heat your house throughout the wintertime, and cool it throughout the summertime.
How is a ground source heat pump constructed?
The process is quite basic. First, polyethylene or copper piping is positioned underneath the ground. The next step is to use a refrigerant to fill the piping. The heat pump moves the fluid throughout the piping. As that happens the ground warms or cools it, causing the temperature in your house to stabilize throughout the process of direct exchange.
What are its main types?
The two main varieties are water-to-water transfer, and water-to-air transfer. Water-to-water systems are like standard boilers, and involve the heating of water pipes that exist in a building. Meanwhile, water-to-air pumps function like standard air-conditioners. They function by using the ground source heat pump's heating and cooling parts, to change the air's temperature via ventilation.
What is its environmental impact?
That is a crucial question if you are a current or future homeowner. One of the most noteworthy benefits is that it is a fantastic method for going green. For instance, because no chemicals or fuel is needed for the heating or cooling process--the impact on the environment is almost zilch. In fact, research shows that an "average" home can save 5,500 tons of carbon emissions, by choosing ground source heat pump systems.
How expensive is this?
The answer is somewhat complicated. In fact, the initial cost of the actual ground source heat pump is somewhat pricey. However, the operational costs are much lower compared to different HVAC systems. Basically, the cost of the system's power will determine the amount of savings that you can enjoy by using it. Those costs differ throughout the world. That said the operating costs are generally low enough that they can quickly compensate for the high initial costs of the system.
Are there ways to reduce the start-up costs?
In fact, many governments throughout the world offer subsidies for homeowners who install such systems within a particular timeframe.
Can this become a DIY project?
Typically, it will not be, due to the amount of skills, and the types of tools needed to install them. So it is advisable to be on the safe side and have a trained professional handle the installation.
These questions show why a ground source heat pump is certainly worth considering for your home.