subject: Heating Your Home With Ground Source Heat Pumps [print this page] Ground source heat pumps transfer heats via pipes which are buried underground. This heat is then used to heat water or in under floor heating systems, radiators, or air circulation systems. A mixture of water and antifreeze is circulated in loops that are buried underground in your backyard.
The heat of the ground below the earth surface is fairly constant throughout the year, even in the cold months of winter, and the fluid in the loops absorbs the ground heat, which is then transferred to a heat exchanger and into the heat pump. The size of your home and the amount of heat needed will determine the length of the loops that are installed. Longer loops will need more space, but vertical boreholes can be drilled down to a 100 meters where space is limited.
The warm from the ground is absorbed by the fluids in the loop. The warm energy created, can then be used for hot water and heating in air circulation units. The process continues as long as the unit is in operation and heat is needed.
These pumps have a reduced impact on the environment, as they need electricity to run, but the heat extracted from the ground, is a clean free source, that is continually renewed.
There are several additional benefits gained from installing Ground source heat pumps.
You lower your energy bills, by replacing other energy sources with free warm energy. Savings are readily noticed if you replace electrical energy.
Lower emission of carbon and greenhouse gases to reduce damage to the environment.
No fossil fuels needed.
It can be used for heating your home and providing hot water.
Income can be gained with the Renewable Heat Incentive program offered by the UK government.
GSHP are very low maintenance units and can last longer than other heating components.
Heat pumps can be used to constantly deliver warm over longer periods. During the winter months, the heating is comfortable and consistent, but it may be necessary to keep the pumps running continually.
Heat pump systems are usually installed with a 10 year warranty. Some extended warranty may also be available, and you can expect your heat pump to operate will minimal maintenance for at least 20 years or more. To avoid any problems, a regular schedule of periodic checks is recommended. You can complete an annual inspection, and a more detailed maintenance program should be completed by professionals every four years. Your installer can indicate which of the checks you can perform yourself. It is important to understand the terms of the maintenance needed to ensure that your pumps operate trouble free.
There are some interesting schemes available that allows receiving payments from heat generated from your heat pump. The Renewable Heat Incentive program offers rebates for installation of GSHPs. There is also some financial assistance available for the costs of installation through the Renewable Heat Premium payments program.
More people are beginning to realize the benefits of using ground source heat pumps to heat their homes. The government is actually extending financial assistance and giving money to those homeowners as an incentive to increase the use of ground source heat pumps.
