What is Geothermal Heat?

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are electrically powered systems that tap the stored energy of the greatest solar collector in existence: the earth. These systems use the earth's relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings.​ Sometimes geothermal heat is also called "environmental comfort system" because a heat pump absorbs or rejects heat from the earth and has absolutely no impact on the environment what-so-ever.
 

Geothermal heat pump systems are the most energy and cost efficient systems on the market and therefore the greenest technology for heating and cooling. This is because geothermal technology uses the relatively constat temperature of the earth (thermal energy) to provide heating, air conditioning and hot water to your home. Ground and water temperatures, 6 feet below the earth's surface, stay relatively constant throughout the year. This allows the system to provide extremely efficient heating and cooling all year long in almost any climate.

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Geothermal systems use the earth as a heat source and heat sink. In order to transfer heat to or from the house, heat exchangers (ground loops) are installed in the ground. These consist of high density polyethylene plastic pipes. The loops are then connected to the heat pump and fluid is circulated between them transferring the heat between the heat pump and the earth.

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Below are some images to help identify the different types of designs that can be used.