One of the least understood HVAC systems around is the geothermal system. It’s understandable, as this system works very differently from any kind of traditional heating system, like a furnace or boiler. Now that we are heading into the heating season, you may be wondering exactly how a system like this provides your home with enough heat without using a combustible fuel. We’ll explain more about this below.
The Key Components
There are three key components to any geothermal system:
- The ground loop
- The ground-source heat pump
- The dispersal method (air ducts or ductless blowers)
First, let’s take a look at the ground loop. The loop is filled with an environmentally-friendly refrigerant or anti-freeze. This solution is needed because it absorbs and releases heat, depending on the mode. During the heating season, the refrigerant or anti-freeze will absorb the latent heat in the ground. The solution transfers this heat to the ground-source heat pump, where it is concentrated. Once the heat has been concentrated enough, it is dispersed to your home’s living spaces via ductwork or ductless indoor blowers.
Moving Heat from One Location to Another
These components, particularly the ground-source heat pump, provide enough heat to your home during the winter months by moving heat from one location to another. It is the same process used by air conditioning systems, just in a reversed way. Heat pumps can do this because they contain a component known as a reversing valve that allows the heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes. In a geothermal system, this means that the heat pump and group loop facilitate the movement of heat from the soil below your frost line to your indoors.
If you are interested in using a geothermal HVAC system Newtown, PA, or need help with an existing one, call the experts at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today!