How Does GeoThermal Air Conditioning Work in Florida?
Geo =
Thermal =
GeoThermal means earth heat.
Fundamentally, GeoThermal systems work differently than ordinary heating and cooling systems. Conventional systems have to produce heat by burning some type of fuel, typically propane, natural gas or fuel oil. GeoThermal systems don’t create heat; instead they collect and distribute it.
“Low Grade” GeoThermal Energy is the heat within the Earth’s crust. This heat is actually stored solar energy. We use this technology to operate heating and cooling systems.
GeoThermal Heat Pump: Heating Mode
First, you should realize that the earth absorbs and stores nearly half of the sun’s solar energy. As a result, at a depth of six feet it maintains a fairly constant temperature of 70 to 75 degrees F in Florida. The GeoThermal system taps into that free, renewable energy and puts it to work by using a water-source heat pump. The heat pump transfers the free heat from the earth via a loop system to heat your home in the winter.
Diagram: GeoThermal Heat Pumps transfer heat from the ground into buildings to provide warmth (Source: geoexchange.org)
GeoThermal Heat Pump: Cooling Mode
In the summer, this process is reversed in order to cool the home. Heat is drawn from the home, rejected to the loop system, and absorbed by the earth. The result is a comfortable home all year round. Since most of the energy used for heating and cooling is free from the earth, GeoThermal systems are the most efficient and environmentally-friendly option on the market today. What you pay for is the electricity to operate the pump and compressor.
Diagram: GeoThermal Heat Pumps transfer heat from buildings into the ground to provide cooling (Source: geoexchange.org)
Types of GeoThermal Loop Systems
Pond Loop
When a water body is available, the sealed piping loop can be submerged beneath the surface.
Well Water Loop
Where groundwater is adequate, well water can be used directly without a sealed piping loop.
Horizontal Slinky Loop
When a water body is not available, the sealed piping loop can be buried a minimum of 6’ beneath the earth’s surface horizontally.
Where Does GeoThermal Air Conditioning Work?
The answer is, practically anywhere!
GeoThermal energy can be harvested for use in heating and cooling throughout the United States.
Florida is an Ideal Environment for GeoThermal Air Conditioning
Florida well water temperatures are an excellent “Heat Source” and “Heat Sink” for heating and cooling. Compared with northern states, where the average ground water temperature is 54°F, Florida ground water maintains a year-round average temperature of 76°F. With a constant 76°F well water temperature as a heat source in the winter and heat sink in the summer, a GeoThermal system operates at maximum efficiency during any season.
Map: Ground Water Temperatures in Wells, Ranging from 50’ to 150’ in Depth
How Does Using GeoThermal Energy Benefit the Environment?
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
GeoThermal is a safe and clean alternative energy source. It uses little land and does not require the use of fossil fuels, thereby reducing carbon emissions from buildings by about 50%. In fact, every new GeoThermal system installed causes a carbon emissions reduction equivalent to planting an acre of trees or taking two cars off the road. Because it draws from the heat that is already available beneath the earth’s surface, GeoThermal energy is also renewable and sustainable.
Ready to Go GeoThermal?
Get a free, detailed estimate on a Symbiont Service GeoThermal AC system today!
GeoThermal heat pump system installation is not a do-it-yourself project. We have the specialized technical knowledge and equipment required for a proper installation.
Call Symbiont Service Corp today, fill out our contact form, or click the live chat window to your right to connect immediately with one of our friendly representatives. We’ll be glad to answer any remaining questions.
We look forward to hearing from you!
941-474-9306 (FL West Coast)
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