What is Geoexchange?
Geoexchange is a high efficiency heating and cooling system that uses solar energy stored in the ground or a body of water. The high efficiencies are achieved by transferring heat from the earth into the building in winter (
earth as heat source) and transferring heat from the building into the ground in summer (
earth as heat sink).
In addition, pre-heating of domestic hot water can also be provided.
Geoexchange systems are equally as efficient in heating water bodies such as spas and swimming pools.
The geoexchange system consists of two components, the Ground Loop Heat Exchanger and a ground source heat pump, which is installed inside the building. The Ground Loop Heat Exchanger can be vertical, horizontal or within a water body and can be open or closed.
Hybrid systems are also available for some commercial installations which work with conventional boilers and cooling towers.
No matter what climate you live in, the temperature throughout the year varies from less than 0 degrees C on freezing cold winter night to +40 degrees C on a scorching summers day. What many people don't realize is that the temperature below ground (regardless of climate or season) stays fairly consistent all year.
The ground is able to maintain a higher rate of temperature consistency because it absorbs 47 % of the suns energy (heat) as it hits the Earth's surface. Geoexchange systems are able to tap into this free energy with an
earth loop. This technology is then used to provide your home or office with central heating and cooling.
Heating
During the heating cycle, a geoexchange system uses the earth loop to extract heat from the ground. As the system pulls heat from the loop it distributes it through a conventional duct system as warm air (water to air). The same heat energy can also be used for a radiant floor system, swimming pools and spas (water to water).
Cooling
In the cooling mode, a geoexchange system air conditions your home by reversing the heating process. Instead of extracting heat from the ground, it is extracted from your home and either moved back into the earth loop, or used to preheat the water in your hot water tank. Once the heat is removed from the air by being passed through the loop, it is distributed through the duct system in your home.