You see the word geothermal, and you may or may not know what it means. Geo means “of the earth” and thermal is “related to heat,” so geothermal is the heat of the earth. When it comes to heating and cooling your home, a geothermal heat pump is an option. Now, when you hear heat pump, you may think that the system can only work to heat your home in the winter, but that’s not true.
A geothermal heat pump brings in warm air in the winter and removes warm air in the summer. If we’ve caught your interest you may be wondering whether a geothermal HVAC system is right for your home. Is it as good or better than your other HVAC options? The short answer is yes. If you’re interested in installation or geothermal repair in Eugene, OR, we can help.
What is Geothermal Cooling?
Even though fall is around the corner, you’re likely still cooling your home from the heat – so that’s what is on your mind. How does a geothermal HVAC cool your home anyway? It works similarly to a heat pump. But, instead of utilizing the air outside, a geothermal HVAC system uses earth that is at least ten feet underground. Sometimes geothermal systems are also called ground-source heat pumps because of the way they operate.
Water and antifreeze circulate through coils that are buried underground. When it’s cold outside, your unit brings in heat from this source. The air transitions through a refrigerant inside the unit before being circulated through your home. When it’s hot outside, your unit works the opposite and takes away the heat from your home, depositing it into the ground.
Benefits of Heating and Cooling with Geothermal
When it’s really hot outside, a unit that works off of air sources can struggle to move any more hot air. But underground the temperature is always cooler – around 45 to 50 degrees – so the transfer is easier on your system. It’s similar in the winter. The ground is protected from the cold and so it is warmer than the air around your home. It’s easier to transfer heat from the ground than from the air outside.
Experts estimate that geothermal systems are three to six times more efficient than a standard HVAC unit. Plus, there are fewer emissions so the system is better for the environment, too. So not only will you save on your monthly energy bill, but you can feel good about protecting the world from unnecessary damage.
Keep in mind that the underground coils do take up a lot of space. Geothermal HVAC systems are not possible for every single homeowner. But if you’re interested in geothermal heating and cooling, it’s always worth an ask. Our team can assess your property, offer the pros and cons, and help you decide how to proceed.
Your comfort is our business! Comfort Flow Heating serves all of Oregon, so contact our team today to schedule your appointment.
