How does a geothermal heat pump system work?

The ground absorbs 47 percent of the sun’s energy that reaches the Earth. A geothermal system harnesses that free, renewable energy by moving the Earth’s heat from underground pipes to a geothermal unit inside your home. The collected heat is then distributed through your ductwork to heat your home, as well as to preheat the water going into your hot water heater. For cooling, the process is reversed. One unit provides heating, central air, and hot water for the entire house.

Geothermal heat pumps systems can be designed into your new home or can, in many cases, be easily retrofitted into your existing home. For a retrofit project, the loops are installed underground with minimal disturbance to your yard and landscaping. The geothermal unit is installed in place of your existing furnace and is hooked up to your existing ductwork.

Safe, clean, and quiet to use, geothermal systems are up to five times more efficient than conventional systems, reducing furnace, air conditioner, and hot water costs by up to 60 percent. In fact, geothermal systems offer the lowest life-cycle cost of any other heating system.