How Geothermal Energy Works
A geothermal or "ground source" heat pump is electrically-powered device that uses the natural heat storage ability of the earth and the earth's groundwater to heat and cool your home or business.
Like any type of heat pump, it simply moves heat energy from one place to another. Your refrigerator works using the same scientific principle. By using refrigeration, the geothermal heat pump removes heat energy stored in the earth and the earth's groundwater and transfers it to the home.
The earth has the ability to absorb and store heat energy. To use that stored energy, heat is extracted from the earth through a liquid medium (water or an anti-freeze solution) and is pumped to the heat pump exchanger. There, the heat is used to heat your home. In the summer the process is reversed and indoor heat is extracted from your home and transferred to the earth through the liquid.
One of the things that make a geothermal heat pump so versatile is its ability to be a heating and cooling system in one. You can change from one mode to another with a simple flick of a switch on your indoor thermostat. Plus, a geothermal heat pump can assist in heating hot water all year round.