How Geothermal Works

No matter what climate you live in, the temperature throughout the year varies. For some climates that means blazing summers that cool to frigid winters, and Charlotte is no exception. 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 constant temperature because it absorbs 47% of the suns energy (heat) as it hits the Earth’s surface. Geothermal 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.

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During the heating cycle, a geothermal heat pump 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. The same heat energy can also be used for a radiant floor system or domestic hot water heating.

In the cooling mode, the heating process is reversed – creating cool, conditioned air throughout the home. Instead of extracting heat from the ground, heat is extracted from the air in your home and either moved back into the earth loop, or used to preheat the water in your hot water tank.

Geothermal Loops

For more information on how to get started with a geothermal system in the Charlotte area, contact Ross and Witmer. Start saving on your energy bills today.