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Geothermal vs. Air Source Heat Pumps

An energy-saving alternative to the traditional fuel-burning furnace, a heat pump is ideal for the budget-minded, environmentally responsible homeowner. But should you choose a less-expensive air-source heat pump or invest in a geothermal system?

How Heat Pumps Work

A heat pump works in a completely different way than a traditional furnace. Rather than burning fuel to produce heat, a heat pump simply moves heat from one location (the “source”) to another location. Air-source heat pumps collect and transfer heat from the air while geothermal heat pumps collect and transfer heat from the ground. Both types of heat pumps can also work as cooling systems in the summer, transferring heat from inside to outside. As compared to traditional furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps require very little energy to operate and dramatically reduce harmful emissions.

Geothermal vs. Air-Source Heat Pumps

In terms of efficiency, geothermal heat pumps are far superior to air-source models. This is because the temperature below ground is relatively stable as compared to the air temperature above ground. For instance, the ground temperature at a depth of 10 feet is likely to remain at about 50 degrees Fahrenheit all winter. At this temperature, a heat pump operates at peak efficiency. In fact, within the right temperature range, the most efficient air-source heat pumps can operate at about 250 percent efficiency. That means for every $1 you spend on electricity, you receive $2.50 worth of heat. However, when above-ground temperatures drop below about 42 degrees, air-source heat pumps begin to operate less efficiently. Ice will begin to form on the outdoor unit, and the heat pump need to enter an inefficient defrost mode regularly to compensate. Because a geothermal heat pump is extracting heat from a source with a consistent temperature, it is continuously operating at its most efficient level – at about 500 percent efficiency. The same is true in the summer when ground temperatures generally stay between 60 and 70 degrees. While an air-source heat pump can operate as an efficient cooling system at moderate temperatures, it becomes much less efficient when the temperature climbs to, say, 90 degrees or higher. According to the EPA, a geothermal heating and cooling system can reduce energy consumption and corresponding emissions by more than 40 percent as compared to an air-source heat pump, and by over 70 percent as compared to standard heating and cooling equipment.

Geothermal Heat Installation

If you are interested in geothermal heat installation, United Air Temp offers installation services to Washington, DC area homeowners. United Air Temp offers outstanding service and the area’s widest range of cutting-edge heating and cooling equipment. This northern Virginia geothermal installer has been serving the DC area since 1931, and prides itself on providing customers with heating and cooling solutions designed for optimal comfort, indoor air quality and efficiency.

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testimonial_image The tech was at my home less than 10 minutes and gone within 20 minutes due to having my A/C up and running. I really appreciate his response to my home and working with my son due to me being out of town, but we spoke on the phone.
testimonial_image The technician arrived promptly, wore a mask, was very courteous and professional. I am generally very satisfied with service by United Air Temp. In addition to good service (they repair well), it is easy to speak to a person, and promptly. Thank you.
testimonial_image Great service! I called because I was under the impression the AC was not working upstairs. Someone came on the same day, checked out the system, and ensured everything was working. He was polite, thorough, and friendly.
testimonial_image Tech was very attentive and professional. He went out his way to explain everything to me as he was doing it. I appreciated him keeping me informed.
testimonial_image The service technician was awesome! He spent the extra time necessary to ensure the leak in our system was fixed, the system fully recharged and everything was functioning as it should. He was extremely thorough and very professional. We are extremely pleased with the result!

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