Why are geothermal heat pumps more efficient than air source heat heat pumps?
The geothermal system cycles water from a well, pond, lake or river, or water piped through underground plastic tubing, to warm or cool the heat pump’s refrigerant. Liquid such as water or an antifreeze solution is a much better heat transfer medium than air. Overall, the liquid medium for heat transfer is about 30% more efficient than air. How many Types of Geothermal Units Exist? There are 4 types. Ground Water Energy Systems (Open Loop) have been utilizing the earth’s natural heat source/heat sink ability for over 40 years. Ground Water Energy Systems draw water from an aquifer via a supply well, pass through the Geothermal heat pump’s heat exchanger where heat is either absorbed or rejected, then returned to the aquifer via a return well. Vertical Energy Systems (Closed Loop) utilize the natural thermal properties of the earth in a similar manor to the Ground Water Energy Systems. However instead of pumping water out of a well then back into the ground, you simply circulate water o
