What is a ground source heat pump?

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are electrically powered systems that tap the stored energy of the greatest heat reservoir on earth: the earth itself. Just twelve feet below the earth’s surface, the temperature is 68 degrees year round. These systems use the earth’s relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings.

How do ground source heat pumps work?

Ground source heat pumps can be categorized as having closed or open loops, and those loops can be installed in three ways: horizontally, vertically, or in a body of water such as a pond or lake.  The type chosen depends on the available land areas and the soil and rock type at the installation site.  These factors will help determine the most economical choice for installation of the ground loop.

For closed loop systems, water or antifreeze solution is circulated through plastic pipes buried beneath the earth’s surface.  During the winter, the fluid collects heat from the earth and carries it through the system and into the building.  During the summer, the system reverses itself to pulling heat from the building, carrying it through the system and placing it in the ground.  This process cools the building.

Ground-source heat pumps  also create free hot water in the summer and deliver substantial hot water savings in the winter.

Open loop systems operate on the same principle as closed loop systems and can be installed where an adequate supply of suitable water is available and open discharge is feasible. Benefits similar to the closed loop system are achieved.


Contact Us to find out how a ground-source heat pump can help you achieve your energy goals.