Geothermal heat pumps provide superb home comfort because they are capable of providing full capacity heating and cooling whenever required. Most installations are sized to provide 100% of the heating load, which means you’ll never need to use back up heat or extra air conditioning, because a geothermal heat pump can do the entire job on its own.
Full Capacity Heating
Unlike air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps can completely heat your home, year round. This is because the ground temperature remains relatively consistent below the frost line, no matter how cold it is outside. As long as the heat pump is big enough for your home, it will provide you with as much heat as you need, even on the coldest day of the year.
Full Capacity Cooling
The heat transfer process of the heat pump is reversed in the summer time. In this case, your geothermal heat pump will act like a refrigerator, removing heat from your home and depositing it into the ground. You’ll have consistent, cool, low humidity air circulating through your home at whenever it’s needed.
Forced Air Heating and Cooling
Depending on the type of energy distribution system you choose, ductwork could be the primary method by which your heat pump delivers heating and cooling to your home. Ductwork is installed throughout your home to deliver warm air, maintaining a consistent, even heat throughout your home. There will be no “hot spots” or cold rooms, just one warm home.
In the summer time cold air is distributed through the same ductwork. Unlike wall or window mounted air conditioners, forced air cooling means your whole house will be comfortable, not just key rooms that happen to have air conditioners.
Radiant In-floor Heating
Sometimes referred to as underfloor heating, radiant in-floor heating is commonly used in new construction geothermal installations for its efficiency and underfoot comfort. Radiant in-floor heating uses a series of pipes installed into a concrete floor slab or a specially designed wood floor system. Water or sometimes a mixture of water and anti-freeze (such as propylene glycol) that has been heated by your heat pump is circulated through the pipes warming the floor and subsequently your home. This heat distribution method is an effective way to heat your home and is exceptionally comfortable underfoot because the floors are warmer than your feet.
In-floor heating is commonly installed in the basement or on the first floor of a new construction home. It’s important to note that this method won’t cool your home. Instead, you’ll need to rely on ductwork to deliver air conditioning. Fortunately, our liquid-to-air & water heat pump can perform both functions.
