When it comes to choosing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems for your home today, two solutions come to mind:
- Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs)
- Air-source heat pumps(ASHPs)
Both systems are worth considering today because they utilize renewable energy for heat transfer and cooling. You can always rely on them to lower your carbon footprint. To choose between these two systems, you need to factor in the following:
- Climate
- Efficiency & Performance
- Property size
- Your budget
As you read on, you’ll discover exactly how to make the right choice between GSHP and ASHP systems for your home.
Understanding how heat pumps work
Heat pumps work by extracting heat from outdoor air or the ground. After extraction, heat is further transferred into your home.
During the colder months, ground source heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the ground. The heat is further distributed into the indoor space through underfloor heating. Air source heat pumps, on the other hand, work by extracting heat from the air. Heat is further transferred into your home through radiators or air ducts. In the warmer months, however, the whole process is reversed for both systems.\
Understanding the difference between GSHPs and ASHPs
The major difference between ground-source heat pumps and air-source heat pumps lies in their heat source. Ground source systems work by extracting heat from the ground’s stable temperature. Air source systems, on the other hand, draw heat from the outdoor air.
- GSHPs use underground pipes to extract heat from the earth’s ground. The good thing here is that underground temperatures often remain relatively stable year-round. This explains why GSHP systems are reliable for consistent and efficient heating.
- ASHPs extract heat from the outside air regardless of the temperatures. They’re typically placed outdoors for easy extraction of heat. Air source heat pumps also provide hydronic heating and cooling This is possible when the extracted heat passes through a water-based system before being circulated by radiators or hydrophonic underfloor heating system.
GSHPs vs ASHPs: Efficiency & Performance
For ground source heat pumps
- Efficiency: GSHPs are highly efficient. You can expect a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3-4. This means for every unit of electricity consumed, these systems produce 3-4 heat units.
- Performance: The ground temperature is known to be constant. As such, GSHPs deliver reliable performance regardless of weather conditions.
- Lifespan: With proper maintenance, you can expect your GSHP systems to last up to 50 years. However, the heat pump itself only lasts up to 20-25 years.
For air source heat pumps
- Efficiency: ASHPs are not as efficient as GSHPs. You can expect them to deliver a typical COP of 2.5-3.5. This value may even decrease during extremely cold weather.
- In terms of performance, air-source heat pumpstend to perform best in milder climates. Their performance is never consistent during colder months. To enjoy these systems, you may need to invest in a backup heating system.
- Lifespan: ASHPs’ lifespan falls between 15 to 20 years.
GSHPs vs ASHPs: installation & costs
For ground source heat pumps
- In terms of installation, GSHP involves significant groundwork. Some of them include digging trenches and drilling boreholes. This makes the installation process complex and time-consuming.
- Due to excavation and loop pipe installation, it costs more to set up ground source heat pumps. The operating costs, however, are lower. This is simply due to the system’s high efficiency.
For air source heat pumps
- ASHPs are a lot easier and simpler to install than GSHPs. The entire setup should be completed within a day or two.
- Furthermore, ASHPs are more affordable to set up upfront. The only issue, however, is that their operating costs are slightly higher. This is so due to the reduced efficiency of ASHPs during colder climates.
Which heat pump is ideal for your home?
The choice of the right heat pump for your home depends on many factors, such as your budget, space, and performance needs.
- You should opt for GSHP systems if you have enough budget and space is not a problem. You can rely on this system for consistent performance regardless of the climate.
- Air source heat pumps are recommended if you’re on a tight budget. You should also consider these systems if you lack enough space for ground installation.
Speak with experts at SóGeo today to get started with the setup of your heating and cooling system.