Because we live in such a hot climate, homeowners in our area tend to be more concerned with their air conditioning systems than they are with their heaters. Of course, the fact that we don’t use our heaters as much as our AC systems does not mean that we don’t need to have great heaters installed in our homes. When temperatures do drop below comfortable levels, you’ll be happy that your heater is there to have your back.

Geothermal diagram 2

One great option for residences in this area is a type of HVAC system that functions as a powerful air conditioner, but which can also double as a very effective – and efficient – heating system when needed. It may sound too good to be true, but we’re not dealing with science fiction technology here. Instead, we’re talking about using geothermal heating and cooling in Miami, FL. Today we want to use this post to help you understand how geothermal heating and cooling works, and why you may want to use it.

What Is Geothermal Heating and Cooling?

As you may have gathered from the phrase “geothermal,” this type of technology uses the ground in its operation. Specifically, a geothermal heat pump exploits the relatively constant temperatures in the ground in order to facilitate the heating and cooling process. Like all heat pumps, a geothermal system uses a refrigerant cycle in order to remove heat from the home in the summer, and to pump it into the home in the winter. It is unique in that the heat exchange takes place within the ground, rather than the air outside, though.

How It Works

In the summer, a geothermal system will evaporate refrigerant in the indoor evaporator coil housed in the indoor unit. As refrigerant evaporates, it pulls heat out of the air passing over this coil. That refrigerant then travels outdoors, where it is pumped through the buried geothermal loop. Its heat is deposited in the ground, which is cooler than the refrigerant in the loop, allowing it to cool back down in order to repeat the process until your home is sufficiently cooled.

When temperatures cool off too much for comfort in the winter, the heat exchange with the ground is reversed. Now, heat is drawn out of the ground, warming the refrigerant, which can then be condensed within the house. As it is condensed, the refrigerant releases its heat, and that heat is used to warm the house back up to a comfortable level.

Benefits of Geothermal

Geothermal energy is renewable, making it a great option for the eco-conscious homeowner. It is also very efficient when compared to systems like furnaces, which have to burn fuel or use electric resistance in order to generate new heat. Even in its cooling mode, the geothermal system is renowned for efficiency. It is easier to exchange heat with the relatively cool ground than the often extremely hot air outside. Plus, there is the convenience factor of using just one system for year round comfort to consider.

Schedule your geothermal services with the professionals here at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating® of Miami.