Laurens Geothermal Heat Pump Basics

A Laurens geothermal heat pump is the most energy-efficient way to heat and cool a home.

Using geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool Laurens residential homes is a relatively new phenomenon. Geothermal units are being installed in an increasing number of homes. Because of their amazing energy efficiency, geothermal units are worth understanding and considering. Here are some basic facts to help you understand these heating/cooling units.

• Geothermal heat pumps use the ground heat to heat water or a liquid coolant. The temperature of the ground is 55°F year round.
• Geothermal heat pumps handle both heating and air conditioning.
• Most geothermal heat pumps also provide hot water, eliminating the need for a separate water heater for the home
• There are three main parts of a geothermal heat pump system: the geothermal heat pump, which moves heat between the building and the fluid in the earth connection; the earth connection, which transfers heat between the earth and the fluid inside it; and a distribution system which delivers heating and cooling to the building.
• Geothermal heat pumps use underground pipes filled with heat transfer fluid or water. This fluid carries heat from inside the house and releases it into the ground in summer to cool your home; in winter, it draws heat from the ground to heat your home.
• The exceptional efficiency of the geothermal heat pump is because the system must only heat or cool the fluid in the pipes by 15 to 20 degrees. Compare this to a conventional air conditioner, which must cool or heat outside air as much as 40-50 degrees in some climates.
• Geothermal heat pumps use 23-44% less energy than the most popular air-source heat pump. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that a Geothermal heat pump can save a typical Laurens family 30 – 70% on heating costs and 20 – 50% on cooling costs.
• Water in the pipes can be drawn from a well or heat transfer fluid.
• Laurens geothermal heat pump systems pay for themselves quickly in extremely low operating cost.
• The U.S. Government offers some tax credits and special financing options for purchasing and installing geothermal units.
• Many Laurens utility companies offer rebates on the purchase price of a geothermal system.
• Many state and Laurens local governments offer tax credits and rebates on geothermal systems.