Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs) Use Shallow Ground Energy to Heat and Cool Buildings
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Almost everywhere, the upper 10 feet of Earth's surface
maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50 and
60°F (10 and 16°C). A
geothermal heat pump system consists of pipes buried
in the shallow ground near the building, a heat
exchanger, and ductwork into the building. In winter,
heat from the relatively warmer ground goes through the
heat exchanger into the house. In summer, hot air from
the house is pulled through the heat exchanger into the
relatively cooler ground. Heat removed during the summer
can be used as no-cost energy to heat water.
US Department of Energy-
Geothermal Heat Pumps |
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