Are Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems Efficient During Winter?

The interest in geothermal heating and cooling systems is growing, as people are increasingly looking for ways of achieving energy savings on their heating and cooling bills. However many people are still unsure of exactly what a geothermal heating and cooling system is, how it works, and its efficiency during the winter months. The truth is it can be extremely effective during the colder winter months, and when you think about how it works this makes perfect sense. These types of heat pumps are designed to extract stored energy from the earth, and as this is where most of the solar energy is conserved it makes them extremely efficient. The Earth's temperature remains relatively constant so this type of system is perfectly able to extract sufficient heat during the winter.

What Makes Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems so Effective?

These types of systems have either a closed or open loop to extract heat from the Earth. They can be installed in a number of different ways to suit your situation, and to make the most of the location and soil and rock type at the installation site. These types of heating systems can be installed just about anywhere as they can be placed under the yard, under driveways, or even under the actual house. If they're being added to a house that is already built then it may be possible to use some of the ductwork already in place. Most people choose a closed loop that circulates antifreeze or water through pipes buried underground. In the winter, heat is collected in the fluid and carried through the system into the house. In the summer the process is reversed. 

Geothermal Heat is Efficient, Safe and Saves Money

The system can produce heat and hot water, and could reduce your hot water bill during the winter months through its ability to preheat the water tank. The system is very low maintenance and could actually reduce the energy consumption of an average home. Another advantage of this system is that it is extremely safe as there's no exposed equipment outdoors, and no need for dangerous fuel storage tanks, open flame or any kind of flammable fuel. Although the initial cost of installation may seem higher than other more conventional systems, the average householder should recoup the cost within just a few years through energy savings and reduced maintenance costs.

The Environmentally Friendly Way to Heat a Home in Winter

There is little doubt that this system is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to heat a home during winter without sacrificing home comfort. It could be far more efficient than other systems, and will save money in both operating and maintenance costs. You may even find it possible to claim a rebate when fitting a geothermal heating and cooling system, and some manufacturers offer special finance deals. If you are considering a new home heating system it is well worth asking your installer for advice as to whether this would be suitable for your house. Of course one of the nicest things about this system is that warm feeling you get from knowing you are doing something to cut emissions and to conserve other non-renewable fuels.