Geothermal heating and cooling is a concept that is gaining popularity among homeowners. It provides a renewable and clean source of energy to control climates in homes and businesses by taking advantage of the heat that is stored in the ground, even throughout the winter months. It works because the temperature below ground stays fairly stable all year while outside air temperatures vary greatly. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this type of system, contact your HVAC service provider to discuss your further options. Here’s a quick guide to help you learn more about this concept so you can make an informed decision.

How Does Geothermal Heating & Cooling Work?

It Uses Heat From the Ground

The basic concept behind geothermal heating and cooling is that it generates energy using heat from the ground. A ground loop system is installed underneath the building that includes a water solution. When that solution is heated, it moves up through the pipes and into a water-to-air heat pump in the home. If you’re using this technology to cool a home, the same concept applies, but in reverse. The heat from the house is absorbed into the water solution and then transferred back to the ground loop.

It Includes an Exchange System

The exchange system in the home is what transfers water that is heated from the ground into air that can be circulated throughout the house. It includes an air return and supplier. In the summer, the air return will collect warm air and disperse cool air, and in the winter, it does the opposite. This is the part that goes in the home and connects to the ground system underneath.

It Transfers to a Traditional Ductwork System

The exchange system then connects to a traditional ductwork system to disperse air to all the rooms around the home. This part should be familiar to anyone who had an HVAC service work on ducts. It allows the setup to deliver the same level of comfort as other types of heating and cooling options, and lets you keep your entire home at an optimal temperature throughout the year.

If you’re interested in geothermal heating and cooling or other types of HVAC service, get in touch with the professionals at Chuck Ollinger Plumbing & Heating, in Erie, PA. The company is equipped to help homeowners with everything from plumbing repairs to solving a variety of air conditioner issues. As a third-generation family-owned business, they have been providing the community with great service and competitive prices for more than 50 years. Call (814) 899-2809 or contact the company online to learn more.