Can Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) systems be used in conjunction with hot water space heating?
Yes. Water to water heat pumps can be connected to some types of hot water heating equipment. The limitation in the heating mode is temperature. Conventional hot water radiators and baseboard type elements are designed to operate at temperatures of 160°F (71°C) and above (older systems as high as 200°F (93°C)). Geothermal heat pumps are limited to producing supply water temperatures of less than 120°F (49°C). As a result, on a retrofit basis (a home with existing hot water radiator or baseboard), the prospects are not favorable. The best hot water system to connect to a GHP are radiant floor (or hydronic radiant slab) systems. This design, in which plastic tubing is installed in the floor slab as it is poured, operates at water temperatures typically much lower than radiator type systems. In order to minimize the required water temperature, the home should be well insulated and use minimal floor coverings. This type of system is more complex, in terms of equipment and controls than a s
Related Questions
- What is the advantage of a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system over those conventional heating systems such as fossil fuel furnace and electric heating systems?
- Can Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) systems be used in conjunction with hot water space heating?
- Can a Geothermal Heat Pump also provide hot water for my home?
