The Basics
A “Geoexchange” system makes use of the largest source of energy available - the ground beneath your feet.
Geoexchange systems are highly efficient. The only outside energy required is for components of the geothermal unit. Half of the energy from the sun that hits the earth every day is absorbed by the ground. The result is that the ground remains at a constant temperature of between 10 and 15 Degrees C all year round at a depth of six feet below the surface. A geoexchange system is able to capture this energy and put it to use. A geoexchange system consists of a heat pump unit, generally located in the basement of a house, which is connected to a Ground Loop that is buried in the earth. Water circulating through the loop pipe absorbs the heat from the ground and takes it back into the house. The heat pump unit transfers the heat to air that is drawn through the unit and blows the warm air around the house using standard air ducts. Alternatively, the heat is distributed through pipes containing water for in-floor heating. In the summer, the process reverses. Heat is taken from the air in the house and put in the ground, which is now cooler than the air.
