Are all ground-source heat pumps alike?
No there are different kinds of ground-source heat pumps designed for specific applications. Many ground-source heat pumps, for example, are intended for use only with higher temperature ground water encountered in open-loop systems. Others will operate at entering water temperatures as low as 25 degrees F which are possible in closed-loop systems. Most ground-source heat pumps provide summer air conditioning, but a few are designed only for winter heating. Sometimes these heating-only systems incorporate a ground water cooled coil that can provide cooling in moderate climates. Ground-source heat pumps can also differ in the way they are designed. Self contained units combine the blower, compressor, heat exchanger and coil in a single cabinet. Split systems allow the coil to be added to a forced air furnace and utilize the existing blower.
