Homeowners have more choices than ever when it comes to choosing and installing a whole-home air conditioning system. There are so many choices that it can be confusing to know which type is the best fit for your home and your needs. One of the best ways to determine which system is best for your home is to understand the basics of how a given system works. Today we’re going to talk about geothermal systems, and how they can both cool and heat your home in Oxford, DE.
What It Is?
A geothermal system uses a heat pump (known as a ground-source heat pump) in conjunction with a ground loop to heat and cool your home. These systems do not use any type of fossil fuels because they don’t generate heating or cooling; instead, they transfer heat from one place to another using the ground loop and environmentally-friendly anti-freeze to facilitate the process.
How Does It Work?
Geothermal systems work differently depending on the season. During the summer months, heat is absorbed from your indoor spaces and transferred to the ground via the heat pump and anti-freeze; once in the ground loop, the heat is released into the surrounding soil. This is known as a “heat sink.” In the winter months, the anti-freeze in the ground loop absorbs heat from the surrounding Earth, transfers it to the heat pump where it is concentrated, and then is dispersed to your living areas by ductwork or ductless indoor blowers.
Why Consider It?
Here are a few reasons to consider using a geothermal system:
- Most energy efficient system currently available – for every unit of energy expended with a geothermal system, you get 3-4 units in return; this makes the system 300-400% energy efficient.
- Long lifespan – the ground loops of geothermal systems are designed to last for up to 50 years, and the heat pumps last an average of 20-25.
- Very even cooling (and heating) – the system provides a low volume, steady amount of air, making the cooling and heating gentle and even.
Only trained experts should install a geothermal system in your property in Oxford, DE, so if you are considering one, call the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today!