That’s what’s called geothermal (not to be confused with using natural steam sources for electricity generation).
Not used in residential applications due to its first cost, and it won’t really do the full job in a hot southern summer.
Better off with good insulation and an efficient air conditioning system.
But with California mandating solar on all new construction, a home geothermal system might be better. No power cost. No condenser.
“That’s what’s called geothermal-Not used in residential applications due to its first cost, and it won’t really do the full job in a hot southern summer.”
We have geo. Cools great in 90-100 degree temps. Does not heat as good as fossil fuels in 5-10 degree ranges. It is a cold heat. The thermostat say’s 74 but it feels like 66.
Low electric bills though. Overall satisfied with it.
I’ve only ever seen one geothermal unit installed here in NC. In this case the property had a lake and the pipes were run along its bottom to pre-cool the water before using in the AC and pre-heat for the heat pump in the winter.
I live in south Mississippi. The fireplace has gas logs and is used heavily for heat. Much more efficient than heat pump. Also have porches all around house, cuts way down on solar heat from windows in summer. Finally throw in trees for shade. I have concrete board siding but at least around me most houses are brick. So we do use architecture to cut energy use.
We have a 30 year old architect designed home in South Carolina. Our home has concrete floors, 10 foot ceilings with ceiling fans, large fixed windows with transom windows above that are screened and can open and close. The home was built with a geothermal system, which we loved because it was efficient and inexpensive to operate. One disadvantage is that the indoor units and piping ran through our attic, and there are many winter days of freezing temps. Would the pipes hold? When it came time to replace the geothermal units we discovered they were not readily available so we decided to switch to traditional electric heat pumps. Electric units are expensive to maintain and operate.
My husband and I looked at a house with geothermal heating and cooling in eastern NC.