What is the difference between a GeoExchange and an air-source heat pump?
An air-source system is a similar concept to a GeoExchange system but it extracts heat from outside air instead of from the ground. Winter air does not contain much latent heat and the efficiency of an air-source unit drops significantly when outside temperatures drop below 0o Celsius. Also, the compressor in an air-source unit is located in an outdoor compartment where it is noisy and exposed to weather elements. By comparison, a GeoExchange system is more efficient due to higher ground temperatures in winter and the absence of any outdoor equipment makes a GeoExchange system quieter, more aesthetically pleasing and longer lasting.
