The new standard establishes definitions and requirements for testing and rating direct geoexchange heat pumps. Ultimately the test data and rating information that result from the new ARI standard will allow meaningful comparisons of direct geoexchange system performance data with those of other heating and cooling systems.
Copper tubes run underground carry refrigerant that circulates into and out of a home.
A compressor induces heat exchange, and heated or cooled air is distributed through an air handler. Once the refrigerant reaches the heat pump, which is situated inside the home, the compressor concentrates and delivers the heat. To increase efficiency further in the air-conditioning season, waste heat can be transferred to the water heater. Research indicates that geothermal systems reduce heating and cooling costs by an average of 30 to 60 percent when compared to air-source heat pumps. Direct-exchange geothermal heating and cooling systems are generally regarded as energy efficient and inexpensive to operate because they burn no fuel and consume no energy beyond the electricity required to operate the compressor and the fan used to circulate the air.