Have you ever considered that beneath the ground where we live, a vast quantity of energy can power the lightbulb, washing machines, and even an air conditioner? Surprising! Is it not? No matter where you reside, the temperature underneath remains constant at about 55°F. Geothermal energy is the name for this subsurface energy. Although geothermal heating may seem only to be used in remote Nordic regions, it is a feasible, effective, low-emissions heat source for houses worldwide, and its popularity is growing daily.

What is geothermal, and how does it function in terms of heating? Let’s read the article and grasp this.

What is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy is the renewable energy derived from the Earth’s core. It emerges from heat produced during the planet’s initial creation and the radioactive decay of elements. The thermal energy is stored in the earth’s core in the rocks and liquids. This energy is extracted using a geothermal system. A geothermal system uses a loop of pipes installed in the earth to access this constant underground temperature. Through this network of pipes, water, and ecologically friendly antifreeze are pumped. They can also supply hot water and transport heat to your home’s radiators and other climate control systems. Many of these systems may also be utilized backward to offer geothermal cooling in hot times.

Source: Kange studio

How does a Geothermal system work?

Geothermal heating and cooling systems operate very differently from how a conventional furnace generates heat. In contrast to a geothermal heat pump, which uses heat exchange to heat the residence, a furnace generates heat by burning fuel. Using the earth as a heat source is possible because its consistent temperature below the ground is 50 to 60 degrees year-round. The fluid in the ground loop collects heat from the earth and cycles it to the heat pump, and the heat exchanger in the heat pump then transmits the fluid’s heat to the surrounding air.

The fact that the earth immediately below the surface maintains a relatively consistent temperature throughout the year is used by geothermal systems. A heat pump that is part of a geothermal system pumps fluids via pipes buried 300 feet under the surface. These, which are frequently referred to as “loops,” take in the heat that the sun radiates into the earth. The fluid in the loops returns to the geothermal heat pump, which uses it to warm or cool your house. The heat from the liquid is drawn out and dispersed throughout the house during the winter. In the summer, heat is transferred from the house into the fluid and then cooled by the earth.

Numerous variables will affect how much room you need to build a horizontal pipe loop or how deep you must drill a borehole. Your heat pump installation will ensure that the system’s design is appropriate for the local climate and fits the heating needs of your house.

Benefits of Geothermal Energy Systems

Geothermal energy is eco-friendly and does not use much power or fossil fuels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged it as a clean, renewable energy source. There are now particularly eco-friendly systems that can run these heat pumps off power produced on-site by renewable resources such as photovoltaic solar panels, eliminating the need for main source power.

Also Read: What Is Blue Energy?