Basic Information About Geothermal Heating And Cooling
Posted on: 22 August 2018
When it comes to keeping your home cool, there are many different options that are available to you. While homeowners will often assume that a traditional cooling system will be the best option, geothermal systems can be extremely effective, affordable, and reliable.
Can Geothermal Systems Be Used To Cool Your Home?
It is often assumed that a geothermal system will only be able to provide a home with heat. This would make these systems largely useless during the hot parts of the year. Luckily, this is not the case as a geothermal system is essentially a large heat pump. This means that it can be configured to either pump heat out of the house to cool it or to add more to help raise the interior temperature. Most of these systems use a forced air design to circulate the cool or warm air through the home. However, these systems can also be combined with floor heating and cooling systems.
Do You Have To Be Near A Hot Spring To Take Advantage Of Geothermal Systems?
Another assumption that is often made about geothermal systems is that they will require the close proximity of a hot spring to work. This is not necessary due to the way that a geothermal system functions. The soil will act as an extremely thick layer of insulation. During the summer, this will prevent the soil below the surface from becoming too warm, and it will also minimize heat loss during the winter. By circulating a refrigerant through pipes buried underground, it can be possible to move heat into or out of the home so that it stays at a temperature that you find comfortable.
Will You Need A Backup Cooling System?
For most homes, a geothermal cooling system should be sufficient for keeping the home's interior cool. However, there can be instances where the performance from this system may be inadequate. In particular, periods of extremely high temperatures can weaken the performance of the cooling system as geothermal systems produce less cool air, which can make them prone to being overwhelmed. Increasing the insulation of the home and closing any gaps or drafts can help to mitigate this issue. However, if you have a health problem or other situation that makes exposure to hot temperatures dangerous, investing in a backup cooling system can be a wise choice. This will allow you to activate the backup system when the geothermal unit is unable to provide enough cool air.
For more information, reach out to companies like West County Heating and Cooling.
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