How do ground source heat pumps differ from air-to-air heat pumps?

Ground source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps, operate by utilizing the stable temperature found in the ground for heating and cooling purposes. Unlike air-to-air heat pumps, which draw heat from the ambient air, ground source systems exchange heat with the earth, which maintains a relatively constant temperature throughout the year. This allows the ground source heat pumps to effectively harness the earth’s natural thermal energy to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

This method of utilizing underground temperatures is what sets ground source heat pumps apart from air-to-air systems, which can be sensitive to outdoor temperature fluctuations. As a result, ground source systems often achieve higher efficiencies, particularly in extreme temperatures, making them a sustainable option for climate control in residential applications.