You have probably heard that maakütte paigaldus (ground heating installation) and cooling is a great way to save money on your energy bill, but what exactly does that mean? What are the benefits of using geothermal? How do you choose which system works best for your home or business?
What Is Geothermal Heat Pumps?
A geothermal heat pump is a natural form of heating. It works based on the ground’s temperature at various depths. The ground provides most of the earth’s heat. A geothermal heat pump moves this heat from the earth up through pipes inside the building and into the air ducts in order to provide comfortable heating and cooling for your home. There are two main types of geothermal heat pumps: closed-loop systems and open-loop systems.
The closed-loop system collects the heat from the ground and then transfers it back underground where it is radiated out again. The open-loop system uses outside air as the source of heat. While both are very efficient, they each have different advantages and disadvantages when compared with one another.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Closed-Loop Systems
The quantity of the output being measured is referred to as the “feedback signal,” and a Close-loop System is a type of control system that uses feedback signals to both control and adjust itself.
Closed-loop systems allow for more control over the process because they can be designed to work according to the homeowner’s needs. They also tend to be less expensive than open-loop systems because they don’t require any outside equipment like an external air supply. However, closed-loop systems are often less efficient than their open-loop counterparts. Because they rely so heavily on the ground’s temperature to function properly, they aren’t able to work with seasonal changes. If the ground temperature drops during winter months, the heat pump will stop working until springtime when the ground warms up again.
On the other hand, if the ground temperature rises too high, the system won’t work properly either. This is why some people prefer to use an open-loop system instead of a closed-loop system. With an open-loop system, the homeowner has much more flexibility in terms of when the system can operate.
Open-loop systems usually cost more than closed-loop systems because they need additional equipment to keep them running. Also, homeowners can’t adjust how long the system operates based on seasonal changes. For example, if there is a snowstorm during the coldest part of winter, an open-loop system will not only not melt all of the snow, it may actually cause the ground temperature to rise.
If you’re looking for a way to lower your energy bills while keeping your home warm and cozy during the colder months, a geothermal heat pump could be just what you’re looking for. Just make sure to read the next section to learn about the pros and cons of these systems before making a decision.
Pros and Cons of Closed-Loop Systems
Pros
- More Affordable Than Open-Loop Systems
It’s important to note that closed-loop systems can be quite affordable if you purchase yours through a local contractor. In fact, many contractors offer discounts on certain systems because they know that there will likely be new customers who will want to buy from them in the future.
- Easy to Install
Because they are so well suited for colder climates, closed-loop systems are easy to install. You can simply dig holes around the perimeter of your property to run the piping. All you’ll need to do is connect the pipes to one another and add an access panel for maintenance purposes.
- Can Provide Comfort Even During Extreme Temperature Changes
Most closed-loop systems are designed to work no matter what the weather throws at them. This means that even if temperatures spike in the middle of summer, the heat pump will continue to work without shutting down.
- Can Be Designed to Work Based on Seasonal Needs
Some manufacturers have created models that are designed to respond to seasonal changes. Many systems are able to detect when the ground temperature starts to drop and automatically shut off to prevent damage to the unit.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Hotter Climates
The closed-loop system requires a large amount of land to work effectively. This makes it difficult to find a location with adequate space for the ground pipe.
- May Require Ongoing Maintenance
Because the closed-loop system relies on the ground to transfer its heat, it must be constantly maintained. This includes keeping the system clear of weeds and debris, adding water to ensure proper circulation, and installing insulation to prevent the system from overheating.
- Cannot Operate During Winter
Because the closed-loop system relies on the ground to work, it cannot operate during the winter. As mentioned above, the ground doesn’t provide enough heat during periods of extreme cold to keep the system operating. Therefore, the system must be turned off until warmer days return.
- May Cause Damage to Your Property
While the closed-loop system is designed to protect itself against damaging temperatures, there is always the chance that the ground may become contaminated with oil, chemicals, or other substances. If this happens, the system may malfunction and damage your property.
- Less Efficient Than Open-Loop Systems
As stated earlier, closed-loop systems are less efficient than open-loop systems. Since they rely primarily on the soil’s temperature, they are unable to make adjustments based on seasonal shifts. An open-loop system is able to perform these tasks.
- May Need Additional Equipment
Because the closed-loop system relies on the ground to work, it will need additional hardware to run. This includes a compressor, fan, thermostat, and a controller. You may also need to purchase additional insulation to keep the ground from overheating.
What Is Geothermal Heat Pump Technology?
Geothermal heat pumps work by pumping hot groundwater from the ground up into the house. Then, the water is circulated throughout the house in order to provide warmth and comfort. The same principle works with cool water as well. The water can be used to heat your home or to cool it depending on whether it is flowing uphill or downhill.
In addition to being very effective, a geothermal heat pump is considered a renewable energy resource. The water used to power the heat pump comes from underground aquifers. These underground resources are continually replenished, unlike fossil fuels which eventually deplete. This helps to reduce our dependence on foreign countries for our energy needs. Also, since it takes energy to create electricity, the energy produced by a geothermal heat pump is free.
Another benefit is that geothermal heat pumps are quiet. Unlike conventional central heating systems, they produce little noise. In fact, the only sound you hear is the flow of the water. Some people have reported hearing the sounds of birds chirping and other wildlife.
How Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work?
In general, a geothermal heat pump consists of three parts: the compressor, the heat exchanger, and the electric motor. The compressor forces liquid water upwards through the heat exchanger. Once the water reaches a certain height in the heat exchanger, it turns into steam. The steam pushes the heat exchanger upward, allowing it to move through the entire house. Finally, once the heat exchanger reaches the top of the house, it enters the condenser. Here, the water cools and returns to its original state, ready to repeat the cycle all over again!
Geothermal Heat Pump Installation Services
One of the biggest reasons people don’t consider geothermal heat pumps is the expense involved. Many people assume that installing a geothermal system is going to cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, this isn’t true. Most contractors charge between $7,000 – $10,000 for a geothermal installation. For some homes, this price may seem steep, however, this investment can pay off big time in the long run.
