How Geothermal Heat Pumps Work

Replace your traditional furnace or air conditioner with a geothermal heat pump.

Geothermal heat pumps supply heating, air conditioning, and hot water for homes and buildings by moving heat into and out of the ground.

Equipment Involved in a Geothermal Heat Pump

Ground Loop

Almost 50% of the sun’s solar energy is absorbed and stored in the earth. Due to this, the temperature four to six feet underground stays between 45°F - 70°F all year long. The geothermal system uses this moderate and stable temperature to move heat from one spot to another using a ground loop field buried in the yard. A water-based solution flows through the series of pipes that make up the ground loop field.

See the different types of ground loop systems

Flow Center

The flow center attaches to your unit or is placed on a wall close to the geothermal heat pump. This tool pumps the water-based solution in the ground loop to the geothermal unit in the house or building, allowing the distribution of heating or cooling throughout.

Geothermal Heat Pump

The flow center transfers heat (or cooling) from the ground loop system to the home through a geothermal heat pump kept inside the house. The geothermal heat pump then heats or cools the home through main two methods: forced air and/or radiant.

Multiple Ways to Heat or Cool

Forced Air Heating and Cooling

Forced air systems us an air-handler to distribute heat from the ground to the air in a home or building through a system of ductwork and vents. When air conditioning is needed, the process is reversed. Similar to the way a refrigerator operates, the geothermal heat pump removes heat so cold air moves throughout the home or building.

Radiant Heating

Radiant, in-floor heating is known as the most comfortable type of heating. This heating method uses a series of pipes in the floor of a home or building to circulate warm water. This allows for heat to rise from the ground up, heating the space evenly and without drafts or ductwork noise. You could heat an outdoor patio or pool with this method, as well.

Hot Water

Most residential Hydron Module Geothermal Heat Pumps come standard with hot water assist, known in the industry as a desuperheater. This technology allows for the geothermal heat pump to assist a hot water heater by capturing excess heat from the unit and transferring it to the water heater. This cuts water heating costs 25% - 40%. Certain geothermal heat pumps can provide 100% of your hot water needs, eliminating the need for a standard hot water heater.

Beyond Heating and Cooling

Heated Pools

Geothermal heat pumps can heat your pool throughout the year.

Snow Melt

Depending on your location, it's possible to use a geothermal heat pump to power snow melt for your driveway or patios.

Cost-Savings

A geothermal heat pump operates more efficiently than traditional HVAC systems, which provides cost-savings on heating, cooling, and some (or all) of the hot water needed. If you select a flexible payment option, that monthly payment can be made with the money saved on utility costs.

Live Better

Hydron Module Geothermal Systems are incredibly quiet, improve air quality, lower humidity levels, and provide zoning, so areas where you spend the most time can be kept at a different temperature. Our systems work with smart thermostats, so you always have temperature control.

Well-Being

Geothermal heat pumps don't require fossil fuels to operate, which removes the potential for harmful oil and gas leaks, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. You can have an all-electric home with geothermal if that's your preference.

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