Ground Source Vs. Air Source Heat Pump
Living in Alabama makes it easy to enjoy time outdoors. For the most part, the climate is mild enough to allow you to get out and enjoy the weather. But, it’s also critical to have a plan in place for cooling and heating your home when the weather takes a dramatic turn.
The heating and cooling industry is filled with lots of options for making your home a more comfortable place. But, many homeowners in the area are unaware of the benefits that we can provide with heat pump installations. Heat pumps are incredibly efficient at heating and cooling homes, and some even come with additional benefits such as rebates and incentive programs.
Exploring how ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) and air source heat pumps (ASHPs) differ helps you decide which works best for your property.
Understand These Key Takeaways
Taking a quick glance at these key points can help you start thinking about which option works best for heating and cooling your home.
- GSHPs utilize heat transfer from the ground
- ASHPs transfer heat that comes from the air
- GSHPs tend to be more efficient and have longer lifespans
- ASHPs are often the more cost-effective and space-friendly option
How Exactly Do Heat Pumps Work?
Despite what their name might lead you to think, heat pumps are also efficient for cooling your home. A heat pump uses electricity to operate, but it also takes full advantage of the natural differences between the outdoor and indoor air temperatures to transfer heat both in and out of homes and commercial buildings.
The main reason why heat pumps have higher efficiency is that they rely on the use of natural heat energy. Other types of heating and cooling systems work by generating temperature changes from within. Drawing on natural temperature transfers allows heat pumps to operate with high efficiency throughout the various seasonal changes that occur over the year.
How Do GSHPs and ASHPs Differ?
Both of these types are set apart by their primary heat source, which is either the air or the ground source. To understand this better, it helps to know that the temperature below ground stays fairly consistent throughout the year. This is why basement areas in homes often don’t require much heating or cooling.
A ground source heat pump uses the consistent temperatures to its fullest advantage. Meanwhile, an air source heat pump is also efficient. But, it can be less so since it relies on the air for heat transfer. Whether you’ll notice this difference or not depends on your preferences for setting up a new heating and cooling system.
What Factors Influence My Decision on Which Option is Best?
In our experience, most property owners have several factors that matter when they’re exploring home heating and cooling options. Taking a look at these considerations can help you ensure that you love your heat pump choice for years to come.
- Cost
- Efficiency
- Lifespan
- Space requirements
- Potential rebates and other incentives
Which Option Is Easier On My Budget?
We’ll need to perform an assessment before we can give you the exact cost for a new heat pump installation. This is because the type of heat pump you need, along with the conditions around your home, influence the final quote.
But, you can generally expect an air source heat pump to cost less than a ground source model. ASHPs simply require less prep work for the installation, which drastically reduces the cost.
Ground source heat pumps require more outdoor components, since they involve placing equipment in the ground. Our contractors will need to use their expertise and potentially heavy equipment to install the ground loop. Digging a trench and installing piping are a couple of extra steps that are included in the overall installation cost.
The cost for a heat pump installation also depends on your home’s current layout and your decision to use ductless or ducted systems. When we visit your home, our heat pump tech can explain all of the details that go into the planning to ensure you find a budget-friendly option.
How Much Ground Space Do I Need for a GSHP?
We don’t want to complicate the matter, but it is helpful to know that there are also different types of GSHPs. Each type requires a different amount of space. Considering how much ground space you have available can potentially narrow down your options more.
For instance, small condos or homes with tiny or non-existent yards might need to rule out GSHPs for the time being. Don’t worry, though. You may still have an air source heat pump as an option that increases energy efficiency around your house. It’s also beneficial to know that the average residential home should have enough room for you to enjoy the benefit of having both options.
What About Energy Efficiency and Longevity?
Heat pumps, in general, are considered more efficient than other home heating and cooling solutions. With that being said, GSHPs are typically the most efficient type out of the two. If you have concerns about your utility costs, then this is the one to explore first.
As far as longevity is concerned, GSHPs also come out ahead. The average GSHP has a life expectancy or around 25 years for the indoor unit. The outdoor components could last up to 50 years due to their underground location.
An air source heat pump can still last for up to 15 to 25 years, which allows you to enjoy stress-free heating and cooling for many seasons.
Bottom Line: Ask Our Friendly Birmingham Technician to Help You Decide
You don’t have to spend hours analyzing this decision. In fact, you can begin finding answers to your home heating and cooling questions within as little as one hour. Our friendly and knowledgeable heat pump experts can be at your home within the same day to help you explore your options.
We know how frustrating it is to sit in a hot house, which is why we guarantee that we’ll be on time or you won’t pay a dime. When efficiency, cost-effectiveness and comfort matter, we’re here to find you a solution that checks off all the boxes. Reach out to schedule your in-home consultation today!