Heating

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Because temperatures underground are nearly constant year-round — warmer than the outside air during the winter and cooler than the outside air during the summer — a ground-source heat pump can be much more efficient than an air-source heat pump and appropriate for both warm and cold climates. However, they are less common and more expensive to install.

Despite the high cost, your energy bills might be lowered enough with a ground-source heat pump to justify installing one, especially if you need to replace your water heater as well. Most ground-source heat pumps are installed with a “desuperheater” that uses waste heat to heat water for no added cost during both heating and cooling modes. ACEEE would strongly recommend this option.

Several utilities have begun marketing ground-source systems as a superior alternative to air-source heat pumps. Visit the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium for more information or to find a contractor who can help you.