Pricing Out Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pump and systems can cost as low as $600 depending on the capacity you require. The price can go as high as $5,000 for a larger high quality system. Variables such as the domicile, or place of business, square footage.

The way geothermal heat pumps are compared is by what they call Seer. Seer is an acronym that stands means "Seasonal Efficiency Ratio". The higher the Seer rating, the less money you will end up paying at the end of the month for basic utilities and power. In a nutshell, you can have heat pump systems that produce exactly the same amount of cooling and heating, except the higher Seer models are more energy efficient.

An average of the road geothermal heat pump system may be all you need and perhaps all you can afford. For example I'll mention the Goodman Models. A Goodman 13 Seer model heat pump ranging between $1,200 - $1,400, has enough capacity to maintain air conditioning in most all average size homes in the United States. This heat pump system was created when utilizing a roof-top mounting or ground level fixation. An extremely durable, and attractive unit - this 2 ton, GSH130241A model Goodman heat pump may be your ideal purchase.

Basic Geothermal Heat Pump Specifications

Liquid refrigerant return protection
Factory installed fluid line filter dry
Low-pressure switch
Brass liquid and suction servicing valves
ARI, and ETL Certified
850 RPM condenser motor for fan
Lines are charged with R-22 refrigerant
Special Goodman sound control top design
Durable galvanized steel casing
Shell with gray powder outside
Energy wise Copeland compressor
Ceiling staged electric heat air handlers
Modular blower(s)
CA, CH and CSCF indoor coils Accessories
Basic room thermostat
Digital thermostat
Outside thermostat
High/Low pressure switch kit
Low-pressure switch kit
Low ambient kit

Geothermal Heat Pumps - Detailed

When in a heating configuration, water is moving through the underground lines (or loop circuit) which causes the warming energy of the earth to be transferred. Once the heat from underground transfers to the water, the water is then forced through an above ground heat exchanger which lives inside the heat pump.

The water passing through the heat pump and heat exchanger, it sheds (or transfers) heat energy to a refrigerant. The refrigerant which is in a gas form is warmed and heated, and then directed to compressor section. At the air compressor stage, the refrigerant is cranked up to approximately 155 degrees fahrenheit.

Once the refrigerant gas has reached it's full temp, it is send to yet another heat exchanger, where it sheds and transfers heat energy in large quantity. This is the stage where the geothermal heat pump forces (or pumps) the heat into the central heating and duct system.

Click here to see cool little movie showing a visual idea of the above geothermal heat pump description above. Courtesy of Econar.

Why Use Geothermal Heat Pumps

The use of a geothermal heat pump will be more cost effective, as the equipment will last longer than most all central heating and cooling equipment. Geoexchange cooling and heating systems are the world's best air treatment systems for home and buisiness. This can be said without any argument. Touted by the EPA (Eviromental Protection Agency) as the most energy efficient, enviromentally friendly, and cost effective heating and cooling technologies on the planet.

Geothermal heat pumps (GHP) are a relatively new technology that can save homeowners money. These ground-source heat pumps use the natural heat storage capacity of the earth and/or underground water to deliver energy efficient heating and cooling. GHPs are often mistaken as air source heat pumps. Not true, as air source pumps require a heated air resource.

Geothermal heat pumps use the virtually consistent temperature of the ground or water many feet below the earth surface as resource for cooling and heating buildings. Not only does a geothermal exchange system heat and cool a domicile, or place of business, but it can also be utilized for hot water heating as well.