The basic function of a heat pump is to move heat from one location to another. It sounds simple enough and really, the process is rather simple. The technology involved moves the heat from a low temperature heat source to a higher temperature heat sink. A heat sink is something that absorbs and disperses heat from something else using thermal contact.
A heat pump pulls heat from the air or the ground. Thus, you have air-source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. If you live in an area that experiences cold temperatures of below five degrees Celsius then an air source device will not work as well.
Let’s say you live in a fairly moderate climate. During the winter, your ground source heat pump will pull the hot air from the ground into your home to heat it. During the summer, the ground source heat pump will pull the heat out of your home in disperse it under the ground; this is how it functions as an air cooler. So, during the winter, the ground is the heat source. During the summer, the ground is the heat sink. Another name for the ground source type of pump is geothermal heat pump.
Ground Source Heat Pump or Air Source Heat Pump - Which is More Energy Efficient?
Which type of heat pump do you think is more energy efficient? Is it the ground source or the air source unit? The ground source or geothermal unit is more energy efficient because temperatures under the ground are more stable throughout the year than the air temperature.
Not all heat pumps are designed to operate as both heating and cooling devices. The installation and setup of these heating and cooling devices is more than your standard home heating and cooling equipment. However, the return in energy savings will be a benefit after three to ten years. The average heat pump should last up to twenty-five years if properly maintained.
Some scientists feel that if there were more of these devices in use, we could help lower the earth’s energy costs and help alleviate global warming.
Installation of Heat Pumps Can be Costly
These devices are not cheap but in the end can save you money on your energy costs, although the upfront cost can be a deterrent for many people. The decision is up to you though. If you happen to know anyone who has one of these devices installed, contact them to get some first hand knowledge on the pros and cons before making a purchase. Contact a local heating and cooling contractor to see if they have any more information on the installation and maintenance of heat pumps, including air source and ground source heat pumps.
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