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Geothermal (Ground Source) Heat Pumps
When considering replacing an existing furnace or boiler, you should realize that another option exists that can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. A Geothermal Heat Pump can replace many boilers and most furnaces. We will gladly do a free evaluation of your home to see if this makes sense for you.
At current rates, a Geothermal Heat Pump could save you up to 72% over the highest efficiency furnace or boiler. As gas prices go up, this savings will increase.
Water or Forced Air Geothermal Systems – Geothermal systems come in two main configurations:
Forced air systems that convert energy from the earth into warm air for heating or cool air for cooling. These are often called ground to air systems.
Water systems that convert energy from the earth into warm (up to 120 degree) water for heating. These are called ground to water systems and work well in radiant heat applications.
Packaged or Split systems – Forced air geothermal systems can be totally contained in a single equipment cabinet (packaged) that includes the compressor, air coil, water coil and blower motor. OR it can be configured as a split system which would be hooked up to a furnace much like a normal air conditioner. A split system uses a furnace’s blower for air movement and its burner as a third, or emergency, heating “stage”. A packaged system would include an electric heat strip as a third or emergency stage and would completely replace a furnace and air conditioning condenser in a forced air system.
Compressor Stages – A major component of a geothermal system is the compressor. A geothermal heat pump has either a single or dual stage compressor. In our climate, it often makes sense to use a two-stage compressor, which allows for heating with both stages and cooling with only the first stage. This allows for properly sized air conditioning with associated dehumidification.
Domestic Hot Water Assist is another option to consider when purchasing a geothermal system. This option reduces water heating costs by using excess heat to generate hot water.
Geothermal Loops – Ground source heating systems use a geothermal loop to “pull” energy from the Earth. Loops can be either closed or open. In Wisconsin, a closed loop system is the most common. A closed loop can be either horizontal or vertical. Horizontal loops are typically less expensive than vertical loops but require more yard or lot area.
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