18 February 2012

Residential Geothermal Heating and Cooling: How Does It Work and Why It Makes Sense

Nature is packed with all sorts of unfathomable power. One of the most intimidating forces of nature is in the form of geothermal energy. Also known as heat in the earth, this energy is mainly responsible for the movement of tectonic plates (which causes earthquakes and earth movement, to name just two) and is also responsible for its volcanic eruptions. Although this form of energy can be unpredictable and destructive, it does not mean that humans have not been able to use this power to their advantage. One of the oldest applications of geothermal energy in civilization is the use of geothermal cooling and residential.
Technology may seem new to you, but the fact is, residential geothermal heating and cooling systems have been in use for centuries. In fact, the first use of geothermal energy for heating goes far back in the Paleolithic era, so that the technology itself is not so new. But it is so effective that the houses still use this method of heat production to date. In fact, geothermal heat is also used in various applications, ranging from hot springs in energy production. However, the purpose of heating and cooling, geothermal energy is used with the use of a geothermal heat pump.

What is a geothermal heat pump? As said before, this is the main device used to provide home heating and cooling geothermal. It can both provide additional heat during the cold months and provide cooling during the warmer months. This dual purpose makes these heat pumps so popular. In a word, a geothermal heat pump works by "pumping" heat from a heat gradient in a cooler gradient. During the colder months, the ambient temperature of the house is lower than that of the earth, so that heat is extracted from the ground at home. In contrast, during the warmer months, heat is dissipated by the house to the cooler ground. In terms of energy consumption, this system is very effective because it takes less energy to transfer from a temperature warmer to a cooler space.

There are different types of residential geothermal heating and cooling systems around, and each of these types are most effective when used in a certain situation. If you are not quite sure, do some research on different types of heat pumps. Once you have selected your pump, it is now time to install it. Installation must be performed by a professional like a bunch of poorly installed pump can result in inefficient function, not to mention additional costs due to damage resulting from improper installation.

You must be wondering now, is a geothermal heating and cooling system is best for my home? The answer to this question is a resounding yes. When installed properly, it will save a huge amount of money from the electricity bills. Furthermore, since geothermal energy is both renewable and clean, it's a very green option for control of the customer. Based on these factors, a residential geothermal heating and cooling system will be your best option for climate control for your home.