Geothermal vs. Air-Source Heat Pumps

Every property needs a system that allows for heating and cooling. A heat pump is a common system for warming or cooling a home or business. These systems move heat energy from inside to outside or vice versa, depending on what’s needed.

Heat pumps transfer natural heat energy rather than creating it, making them more energy-efficient than a traditional heating and cooling system.

Choosing the right type of heat pump can make a big difference for a property owner. This guide will discuss the two types of heat pumps on the market today and how each can benefit a homeowner or business owner.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

A heat pump is an HVAC system that moves heat from one place to another to warm or cool a space. On a hot day, a heat pump can be set to remove heat energy from the inside of a structure and deliver it outside, leaving only cool air in the building. On a cold day, a heat pump can pull heat from outside and spread it around inside, warming up the building.

Heat pumps have been a common HVAC system for many decades. They’re especially convenient because they can warm and cool a home or business with less energy and expense than a traditional system.

When it comes to the difference between an air-source heat pump and a geothermal heat pump, it’s all about the heat source. A heat pump in heating mode needs to pull heat from somewhere, and there are two sources available: air and earth.

An air-source or traditional heat pump will pull heat energy out of the outdoor air, even on a cold day. A geothermal heat pump will draw heat from the ground and bring it into the property. The geothermal heat pump requires more initial leg work because the installation involves digging into the ground. Both systems provide comforting heat but use different sources.

Should I Invest in a Geothermal or Air-Source Heat Pump?

Buying an air-source or geothermal heat pump comes down to several significant factors. As a homeowner or business owner, consider these features before deciding:

• Upfront costs: Air-source heat pumps are more common and have been around longer, so the upfront installation costs are lower than a geothermal system. However, geothermal systems have higher efficiency, and your energy bills will be lower because of it.
• Life span: Geothermal systems can last longer and work with less stress than air-source heat pumps. The main system components are underground and protected from weather or other disturbances, whereas an air-source heat pump is affected by wear and tear at a quicker rate. The heat inside the Earth is a consistent temperature, so the geothermal system doesn’t have to work as hard to obtain heat energy.
• Energy efficiency: Heat pumps use less energy than a traditional heating and cooling system. Geothermal units rely on water rather than air and don’t require as much volume to produce a heating or cooling effect, making a geothermal system more energy-efficient than the air-source heat pump.
• Maintenance needs: Geothermal systems don’t have to work as hard, so they often require fewer repairs and maintenance checks than an air-source heat pump.
• Space requirements: Geothermal systems only require a small amount of space in your yard as it involves digging into the land and may cause disruption to your landscape, but then can be restored back to their prior landscape. There will not be a noisy outdoor unit because only one indoor unit heats and cools your house.  Air-source heat pumps fit alongside your home or building and are more feasible for those with minimal yard space.

Air-source and geothermal heat pumps have advantages and disadvantages, but both offer energy efficiency and long-term cost savings for your heating and cooling needs. Your choice will depend on your space requirements and the budget that fits your needs.

Trust Arronco Comfort Air for Your Heat Pump Services

No matter the type of heat pump you choose for your property, make sure you work with Arronco Comfort Air to handle the installation. Our team has the tools and experience to install and repair your heat pump. When we’re done, you’ll have a reliable heating and cooling system to keep you comfortable.

Contact Arronco today to schedule heat pump services at your home or business.