A heat pump is an excellent, energy efficient heating and cooling system. The two most common types of heat pumps are geothermal (also called ground source) heat pumps and air source heat pumps. Heat pumps work by using electricity and a refrigerant to move heat from one area to another. In cooling mode, they absorb heat from inside your home and release heat outside your home in pretty much the same way a conventional central air conditioner does.
In heating mode, the cycle is reversed – the heat pump absorbs heat outside the home and releases it inside your home. An air source heat pump absorbs heat from or releases heat to the outside air using an outside above ground condenser and fan unit just like a central air conditioner.
Instead of the above ground condenser, a ground source heat pump uses a network of pipes buried under ground to absorb or release heat depending on whether the system is in cooling or heating mode.
Geothermal heat pumps are even more efficient than air source heat pumps because the ground stays at a relatively constant temperature. They are also quieter because they don’t have an above ground condenser and fan. The lack of a condenser and fan means they last longer than an air source heat pump and need fewer repairs.
The main disadvantage of a ground source heat pump is their initial cost. A ground source heat pump can cost three to four times as much as an air source heat pump. However, the higher initial cost will be offset by lower energy costs. Your local HVAC contractor can help you decide if a ground source heat pump or an air source heat pump makes better sense for your home.
