How You Can Use Geothermal Energy to Heat and Cool Your Home

February 15, 2019

People have used geothermal energy for cooking and heating for thousands of years. Modern HVAC technology has allowed today’s homeowners to harness it more effectively. As a result, geothermal energy has gained popularity in recent years. Experts estimate that the amount of heat stored within 30,000 feet of the Earth’s surface holds about 50,000 times more energy than all of the gas and oil resources around the world. Read on to learn how you can use geothermal energy to heat and cool your home in , Virginia.

How a Geothermal HVAC System Works

A geothermal HVAC system can provide a house with heating, cooling and even hot water. When installed properly, it can function as a furnace, air conditioner and water heater. Thanks to its high heating efficiency potential – up to 500 percent – a geothermal HVAC system can help you reduce your energy consumption and save money.

Unlike traditional heating and cooling systems, which use electricity, gas or oil to generate heat or cool air, a geothermal HVAC system uses the Earth’s energy to power itself. The ground loop in a geothermal HVAC system collects energy from or releases it in the ground. There are two types of geothermal ground loops: open and closed loops.

Types of Geothermal HVAC Systems Available

Every geothermal ground loop follows the same principle: It exchanges heat between a fluid and the ground. An open loop geothermal HVAC system takes water from a pond, lake or water well and discharges it after it has transferred the heat into a house. A closed loop geothermal HVAC system, which is more common, contains a continuous network of pipes buried underground. That’s where a mix of water and refrigerant circulates.

Benefits of Using Geothermal HVAC

The most significant benefits of installing a geothermal HVAC system include:

Lower operating costs than other HVAC systems
Use clean and renewable energy
Operate quieter than other cooling systems
Minimal maintenance and longer lifespan

Do you want to learn more about how you can become an eco-friendly homeowner with geothermal energy? Contact Atlantic Shores Heating and Cooling at (804) 742-2819 today.