How Geothermal Works

More people are talking today about how to save fuel and how to find more energy efficient ways to do the things we need to do every day. Geothermal heat and energy are one revolutionary way to use the natural energy that's in the earth to power our homes and buildings. In addition to being more energy efficient, geothermal heat helps reduce global warming and helps contribute to the goal of geothermal exchange.

If you're thinking about using geothermal energy for yourself, then it's important to know how it works so you can know for sure if it's right for you. The easiest way to explain is that geothermal heating works with the use of pumps. Underneath the frost line of the earth's surface, the ground will always stay at a certain temperature. This is usually right around 57 degrees. This is a good temperature for the heat pumps. The geothermal heating works by circulating the water in an underground loop through this natural part of the earth. The loop is called a heat exchanger. Next it is transported through water to air heat pumps that have located in the building and the heated air is pumped out to warm the rooms.

For this heat exchanger to work it is buried about 150-300 feet into the earth's surface. It is made from a high density polyethylene type of pipe which can withstand the temperatures and the conditions underground. The constant temperature of the earth will help balance the temperature of the air that is being cycled through.

Heat and cool air is pumped in and out of the home and through the geothermal piping as needed to keep your home or building at the temperature you desire. This is a very safe and natural way to control the heating and cooling in your home or office building. Geothermal methods can be used no matter how small or large the building.

Other benefits to a geothermal heating and cooling system is that they are easy to use. Many people assume since it is a new thing that it will be complicated or difficult to use but this is not the case. Buildings that choose to use it will not need a boiler operator or chiller technician and any building or home that uses it can save from 25-40% on their energy efficiency.