Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal Heat pumps use the energy stored in the earth's surface to provide heating or cooling depending on the ambient temperature of the surroundings. The temperature a few feet below the earths surface is shown to be constant year round between 50 and 60 degrees Farenheit. The heat pump uses this temperature difference to operate, providing cooling for the house in the summer and heating for the house in winter times. Geothermal heat pumps are usually used in a central air conditioning system. The major challenges to implementing such a system are the initial expense for installation and choosing the type of piping system to use for heat exhange. The energy needed for operation is used to pump and pressurize the water and blow air into the house, in addition to that geothermal systems are designed to last a very long time, at least 25 years but if properly maintained 50 years is possible.