How Does A Ground Source Heat Pump Work?

A ground source heat pump (GSHP) uses the solar energy stores in the earth to heat, cool and even provide hot water for residential and commercial buildings.

These electrically  powered systems are described as having closed or open loops. A closed loop system can be installed vertically or horizontaly underground wheras an open loop system although installed in the same way requires a water source such as a pond or lake. The available land area, soil and rock type will determine which of the two systems is used.

These factors also allow us to determine which is installation will be most economical.

With a closed loop system, a solution of water or anti-freeze is pumped through plastic underground pies. The solution flows through the underground systems collecting heat from the earth and distributing it into the building, perfect for winter. But this fantastic heating system can also reverse its flow and  cool the building, sucking heat into the system and dispersing it back in to the earth during the summer. This process creates free hot water during the summer and provides substantial hot water savings during the winter.

An open loop system basically works the same way but requires an adequate supply of suitable water close by and will provide similar benefits to the closed loop underground system.