What is geothermal heating and air conditioning?
Geothermal heating is a method of heating and cooling a building. It takes advantage of the natural stable warmth stored in the earth. Normally the earth temperature is around 55 °F (13 °C) at depths of 10 ft. In climates warmer than 55 °F (13 °C), this can be used to cool a building, and in colder climates (those under 55 °F or (13 °C) it can be used for warmth. This is accomplished by one of a number of methods. A heat pump uses the extracted water or transfer fluid (such as water mixed with antifreeze) as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer. Some heat pumps provide heating and cooling via forced air distribution, and others through the heating and/or chilling of water for radiant type systems. Some systems are used to heat domestic hot water. Types of geothermal heating and cooling systems: Closed Loop. Loops of pipe are buried at a depth of 6 ft (2 m) and greater in the ground. Pipes are placed horizontally (buried in trenches) or buried in deep, vertically-drilled ho
