Marshall Municipal Utilities

Ground Source Heat Pumps

A ground source system works by transferring rather than producing energy. This simple concept capitalizes on the Earth's constant, moderate temperature by continuously circulating fluid through underground pipes to exchange hot air for cool in the summer and cold air for warm in the winter.

The system uses a heat pump to move heat energy from one place to another, working just like a refrigerator. The Earth has the ability to absorb and store heat energy. To use that stored energy, heat is transferred using either groundwater or a non-freezing solution. The fluid is pumped through the special plastic pipes to the heat pump, where the energy is used to heat your home. The system can keep your home warm, even at temperatures below zero, without a backup heating system.

The source for savings.

A ground source system is an excellent source for energy-saving, cost-cutting heating and cooling. The systems efficiency is more than three times that of a fossil fuel furnace. Rather than burning fuel to produce heat, a ground source system simply transfers the Earth's constant temperature to heat or cool your home. As a result, it provides three dollars of energy for every one dollar used to power the ground source system.

Heating Efficiency Comparison Chart

Ground source heat pump	350%
Air source heat pump	200%
Electric furnace, ceiling cable, baseboard	100%
Natural LP/Gas furnace	60-95%
Wood Stove	45%

Other installation considerations include:

• A ground source system can be installed in any area because there is no combustion, and therefore no need to vent exhaust fumes.
• A ground source system is compatible with most air distribution systems. However, air ducts must be installed in homes without existing duct work.
• Split systems can be added to existing furnaces for a dual-fuel heating system.
• Once the ground source system is installed, it requires virtually no maintenance. The unit is installed indoors to protect it from the elements. The compressor and major components should last 20 years. Properly installed, underground pipes will last 75 years or more.

Marshall Municipal Utilities offers a special incentive program for installing a ground source heating system.