You may have heard of geothermal heating and cooling. Some geothermal units use an air source method, while others use a ground source method. But which one is better? Each one has its own unique pros and cons, but one boasts a few more benefits than the other.
Ground source heating and cooling offers a wide variety of benefits compared to other HVAC options. If you’re interested in geothermal in Hillsboro, give our team a call. You can keep reading to learn more about how geothermal heating works and the benefits of this particular type of system.
How Ground Source Heat Works
If you have a geothermal unit that uses the ground as a source of heating and cooling, you have piping that gets installed in loops in the ground of your yard. Similar to an air source heat pump, heat gets transferred into the ground as a method of cooling or heat gets drawn into your home from the ground as a method of heating.
During the summertime, a ground source geothermal unit absorbs heat and transfers it into the ground as a method of cooling your home. Then in the winter, it uses the earth’s natural heat to transfer warmth into your home. This method of transferring energy is highly energy efficient because heating and cooling are not being created.
Overall Consistency
An air source geothermal unit offers far less consistency when it comes to heating. The temperatures in the outdoor air can change dramatically over a period of hours. Drawing heat in from the ground offers greater consistency since it takes a lot more to change the earth’s core temperature. Even as temperatures fluctuate above the ground, in the earth the changes happen in much smaller increments.
Environmental Impact
A ground source heat pump is much better for the environment compared to other types of heaters. A gas furnace uses combustion and releases a lot of carbon monoxide fumes into the air. Even an electric furnace causes more risks for the environment since electricity is being used.
While a ground source heating unit does use electricity, it requires far less power compared to other heater models. Less power means a lower impact. Reducing the impact on the environment may not save you any money or improve your overall comfort, but it is a wonderful added benefit and can make you feel that much better about using a ground source geothermal unit as an HVAC system for your home.
Longevity
Ground source units are also known to have very long lifespans. Since a large portion of the unit is buried under the ground, it is less likely to be damaged during a storm or simply from the day-to-day exposure to elements. While installing a ground source geothermal unit is a large project, you have the peace of mind that the unit will last you for longer compared to the average lifespan of a furnace.
Shafer Heating & Cooling, LLC: You are just one call away from the comfort and savings you deserve! Schedule an appointment today for your service.