Does geothermal work in extreme cold?
Views: 69
0
0
Introduction
If you wonder whether geothermal energy will work for your home, the answer is almost always yes. In fact, geothermal heating and cooling systems are so efficient that they actually save customers money on their utility bills—even in places like Alaska and northern Canada where temperatures can drop to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40°C). In this article, we’ll explore how geothermal works in extreme cold (and hot) climates as well as some common questions about using this technology in colder climates.
Yes, geothermal energy works in extreme cold.
While you might imagine that geothermal energy would be rendered useless in the Arctic, it’s actually one of the best systems for heating and cooling homes in cold climates. Geothermal heat pumps work by using the ground as a natural heat source, which means they can produce high temperatures without burning fossil fuels.
Geothermal heat pumps are more efficient than traditional heating systems because they use up to 80% less electricity than other methods of heating a home—and since geothermal taps directly into earth’s natural resources, it doesn’t require any new infrastructure either. Plus, when you install a geothermal system at home (or in the office), it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from traditional fossil fuel sources like natural gas or coal power plants by up to 90%.
As long as the ground below the frost line stays at a relatively constant temperature, a geothermal exchange system will work—even in places like Alaska and northern Canada.
As long as the ground below the frost line stays at a relatively constant temperature, a geothermal exchange system will work—even in places like Alaska and northern Canada. This is because the ground maintains roughly the same temperature year-round, even if it’s freezing outside.
Geothermal heating is a great idea for areas that get lots of snowfall (which means they’re farther from direct sunlight) as well as cold winters that can be extremely harsh on your home. The cost of using geothermal energy is also relatively low, which makes it an appealing choice for homeowners with budget constraints.
In places where it’s extremely cold and snow is heavy, it may be necessary to install a snow-melting system around the unit to protect your heat pump.
Oops! Click Regenerate Content below to try generating this section again.
Geothermal heating systems are more efficient in colder climates because they can reject heat directly into the earth rather than into the air or water of an open loop system.
Geothermal heating systems are more efficient in colder climates because they can reject heat directly into the earth rather than into the air or water of an open loop system. When you experience cold temperatures outside, you’ll notice that your furnace has a difficult time making up for the difference between indoor and outdoor temperature. This is because geothermal systems aren’t capable of recirculating water in an open loop system like regular water heaters do; instead, they use closed loops that send hot water into underground pipes where it stays until needed by your home.
Geothermal systems provide both cooling and heating, making them useful even during extremely hot summers.
Geothermal systems are able to provide both cooling and heating, making them useful even during extremely hot summers. In fact, geothermal systems can cool your home all year round while they heat it (and you) during the winter. Because geothermal systems are less energy-intensive than traditional methods of heating and cooling, they can also help reduce your monthly energy costs!
Geothermal systems are more efficient in colder climates than warmer environments—the colder it is outside, the more efficient your geothermal system will be at warming or cooling your home.
On average, geothermal systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% compared to traditional oil and gas heating systems—a savings that increases in winter months when the system has to work harder.
Geothermal heating systems are able to provide heat directly from the earth. This is possible because geothermal heat pumps work by extracting heat from the ground, and then transferring it into your home. Geothermal heating systems use a combination of underground loops and well-pumping technology to move warm water from one place (the ground) to another (your house).
In colder climates, however, geothermal heating systems can be even more efficient than this. Because they do not rely on air like traditional furnaces do—which means they don’t have any moving parts—geothermal heating systems can reject heat directly into the earth during winter months when they need additional energy input
Using geothermal energy is smart whether you experience blistering hot summers or freezing cold winters
Geothermal systems are designed to work in a variety of climates, so whether you live in the scorching heat of Arizona, the frigid tundra of Alaska or somewhere in between, there’s a geothermal system out there for you. Geothermal heating and cooling systems can be more efficient than traditional heating and cooling equipment—and they reduce greenhouse gas emissions too!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped answer your question about whether geothermal energy works in extreme cold. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are a great option for homes and businesses that need to stay warm or cool all year round, no matter what the weather brings. If you’re thinking of installing a geothermal unit in your home or business, get in touch with one of our experts today!
