When looking for the most economical heating system available, look at the ground source heat pump (GSHP). It does not produce heat, it transfers it. A GSHP is a central heating/cooling system that uses ductwork to distribute an even temperature throughout the home. For every dollar spent on electricity, there are between $3 to $4 worth of heat delivered to the home.
Plastic pipe, specially made for the GSHP, is buried vertically or horizontally. A water solution is circulated through the pipes. In winter the water solution absorbs heat from the ground and transfers it to the GSHP unit inside the home. The GSHP unit then takes the heat from the water and, by using a compressor to raise the temperature, delivers 100-110 degree air into the duct system.
In the summer, the GSHP serves as the air conditioner. The above process is reversed.
Most homeowners install the GSHP with a desuperheater. The desuperheater uses the excess heat from the refrigeration process, in both the heating and cooling season, to provide additional hot water.
The GSHP is a simple machine and should provide reliable service for many years. The higher installation cost is due to burying the pipe outside the home. A typical system has a payback period of five to seven years and a life expectancy of 20-25 years.
For support on your GSHP, please contact:
Mommen’s Heating & Cooling
1320 Paris Road
Mexico MO 65265
573-581-7970
Please notify RCEC before installing a new GSHP at your location to ensure that your new system meets all the required specifications for our rebate policy.