Once again, Baltimore, Maryland, has bestowed a hot, muggy summer upon its residents, which means your energy costs just keep rising. You’ve heard that geothermal systems are trimming your neighbors’ utility costs, but could they really be as efficient as they sound? Yes, geothermal systems remain the pinnacle of efficient heating and cooling by leaning on the reliability of Mother Nature. Here’s how.
What Are Geothermal Heat Pumps?
Geothermal heat pumps combine the energy efficiency of heat pumps with the heat-exchange capacity of the earth. Most HVAC systems rely on a separate furnace and air conditioner to maintain comfort across the seasons. A heat pump, however, can both heat and cool a home with a single unit by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and another source. During the summer, heat pumps absorb the heat in your home and transfer it outside while they bring that heat indoors in the winter.
While many heat pumps exchange heat with the air, geothermal heat pumps exchange heat with the ground. Geothermal systems rely on a network of underground pipes that pump refrigerant through the earth and exchanges heat as it moves. The liquid is then pumped back into your home where it’s used to cool or heat your living space.
What Makes Geothermal Heat Pumps Efficient?
Exchanging heat with the air may work well in most cases, but air temperatures fluctuate, especially into summer and winter months. Air-sourced HVAC systems use more power to compensate and maintain comfort in your home. The Baltimore humidity in the air can also interfere with effective heat transfer. The earth, however, maintains a relatively constant, cool temperature that is easier for your system to exchange with. Your HVAC system uses less energy to maintain comfort, consequently cutting energy use and trimming those utility costs.
If you’re hoping to cut your utility costs while remaining environmentally conscious, then you should consider a geothermal system. To install a geothermal heat pump, call Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391.
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