Because much of the geothermal activity happens out of sight, geothermal heating and cooling frequently doesn’t get the attention that large solar arrays or wind turbines receive. That’s too bad because geothermal is a powerful renewable energy source for your Culpeper, VA home. Here’s how it works.
The Ground Effect
Traditional heat pumps transfer heat into your home in the winter and out of your home in the summer. The greater the imbalance between the air temperature and your desired temperature, the harder your HVAC equipment has to work. For example, if the air outside is 35 degrees and you set your thermostat to 70, that’s a 35-degree difference your furnace has to make up.
Geothermal heat pumps capitalize on the constant 50-degree temperature underground. That means that your furnace only has to make up the difference between 50 degrees and 70 degrees, a much easier task. That’s why it takes less energy to keep your home comfortable and why you can save up to 65 percent on your energy bills.
The Logistics
Refrigerant circulates through a series of underground pipes, often called loops. In the wintertime, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to your heat pump. The heat pump separates the heat from the refrigerant and sends the warm air into your home. In the summertime, the heat pump absorbs heat from inside your home and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant then transfers it to the cooler earth.
The Benefits
Geothermal is twice as efficient as conventional AC units and nearly 50 percent more efficient than the finest gas furnace. On average, these efficiencies save you between $400 and $1,500 a year.
Duct-Rite Mechanical: Your Expert Geothermal Company
Geothermal systems are an energy-efficient way to keep your Culpeper home comfortable all year long. If you’re interested in discovering whether geothermal heating and cooling is right for you, call us today for more information – (540) 216-0545.
