DC heat? [RE-wrenches]

[Jeffery Wolfe, Global Resource Options]

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Christopher,

Make sure to differentiate between air source and ground source (or
geothermal) heat pumps. As you indicate, air source heat pumps are
horrible in cold areas. At about 32 degrees, they become less efficient
than electric heat, and so the units simply switch to electric heat. The
marvel with a geothermal heat pump is that the temp in the ground
(geothermal source) does not get that cold. It uses a (long) loop of
pipe in the ground with either a glycol or a refrigerant (usually
glycol) running through it to pick up the heat or "coolth" from the
ground (depending upon heating or cooling) and then transfers to house
at a higher / lower temperature through the magic of the vapor
compression refrigeration cycle. The ground does not get as cold as the
air, and so the COPs stay up.

Variants use a well (either open or closed loop) or ponds. Either way,
the heat source / sink needs to be designed correctly to maintain
temperatures through the winter / summer. This is pretty well developed
technology. The trick is finding someone in your local area who knows
the technology and is reputable. Easier in some areas than others. And
each contractor will have their own favorite ground coupling system
(trench, well, pond, open or closed loop) and will tell you that all the
others are horrible.

But installed correctly the equipment is reliable, and a lot more
efficient than electric resistance.

Jeff Wolfe
Global Resource Options
800-374-4494

-----Original Message-----
From: Christopher Freitas --- OutBack Power
[mailto:cfreitas at outbackpower.com] 
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 10:30 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: DC heat? [RE-wrenches] 

......Here in western washington where it usually is above 40F heat
pumps are 
an option.  If much of the winter is below 40F - forget it. Utilizing 
partially heated air from a greehouse or other passively heated space is

another way to improve the performance in a cold climate.   


Christopher Freitas

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