What Are Geothermal Heating Systems?

by David Scott

Overview

What Are Geothermal Heating Systems?

Geothermal heating is becoming a widely used energy resource for modern-day, environmentally responsible homes. It is a great alternative to air-heating systems or the use of fire to heat a home.
How It Works

Geothermal heating relies on the fact that the temperature of the Earth's crust remains relatively constant throughout the year. This means that the temperature below ground should be able to be harnessed in order to make the above-ground temperature closer to that of below-ground. Although the systems vary, most function by circulating a heat-conducting liquid such as water through pipes that are buried deep underground. As the water is circulated, it is either heated or cooled by the temperature underground. As the water circulates through a building, it passes by a distribution system, usually fans, that circulates the heated or cooled air around the water pipes throughout the building, thereby heating the building in the winter and cooling it in the summer.

Cost

Geothermal heating systems can be extremely expensive to install, compared to regular heating systems. However, because they require far less energy to run, they pay for themselves in approximately ten years. Also, geothermal heating systems can last up to 30 years or more, which makes them a great investment.
Components

As with most complex systems, geothermal heating systems vary depending on application and make. However, most consist of ground loops, which are fed up to 100 feet deep in the ground and allow the circulation of a heat conductive medium. These ground loops are pipes connected to a pump inside the building serviced by the geothermal heat system. This pump circulates liquid through the ground loops at regulated intervals so as to heat or cool the building according to need.
The Methods of Climate Control Inside the Building

Once the liquid from the ground loops is fed into the building by the pumps, it is then used to either heat or cool air surrounding a ventilation system. The ventilation system circulates the warm or cool air throughout the building similarly to a normal heating system.
Benefits

Geothermal heating systems are incredibly versatile, meaning that they can be applied to a huge number of circumstances in buildings. Also, the function of the system allows for very quiet operation. Finally, this system uses up to 50% less energy than conventional heating or cooling systems and has very few moving parts, making it easy to repair.