Do Geothermal Systems Use Air Ducts?
If you have been considering the installation of a geothermal heat pump to handle your air conditioning and heating, you probably have a few hundred questions you would like answered. One question that people often have about how geothermal systems is if they use air ducts like standard air-source heat pumps and air conditioners. The answer is “yes,” because when it comes to the indoor components of a geothermal heat pump, there is not much difference between it and an air-source heat pump. We’ll explain in a bit more detail after the jump.
A geothermal heat pump and air distribution
Most geothermal systems are divided into two sets of components. The first set, the underground loops and the outdoor manifold, are unique to geothermal heat pumps. This is where a solution of water and antifreeze absorbs or deposits heat from the ground and then moves to a heat exchanger where it transfers its energy to a chemical refrigerant. But the indoor components are much the same as a standard heat pump; the refrigerant moves through a coil where it either condenses or evaporates (depending on whether the heat pump is in heating or cooling mode), and a blower fan then sends the conditioned air into a ventilation network. These air ducts are the same as found in conventional heat pump systems. This means that you can fit them with zone control if you want to, and a standard thermostat runs the system.
For the most part, the repairs you may need for a geothermal heat pump will be done to the indoor components, and are no more difficult or time-consuming for professionals to handle than for an air-source heat pump or air conditioner. The underground loops rarely encounter problems and often last for more than 50 years. As long as the system receives annual maintenance, you can expect multiple decades of excellent service from a geothermal heat pump.
If you have any questions you need answered about installing a geothermal heat pump in Wake Forest, NC, call on Raleigh Heating & Air today. We have more than 2o years of experience serving the community with comfort.