Geothermal heat pumps are a reliable, economical and environmentally friendly technology, which utilizes the almost constant soil temperature (17o-18o C), a few meters below the surface and regardless of the prevailing climatic conditions. It is essentially a thermal / cooling machine, which is the “heart” of any geothermal system.

Compared to conventional heating methods, energy savings can reach 75% compared to oil, while for cooling and cooling or savings we can achieve up to 40% compared to electricity. The amortization of the investment, according to data of Cres (Greek Center foe Renewable energy) can be achieved even in 5-7 years, depending on the volume and the extent of the space for heating-cooling.

The operation of geothermal heat pumps is similar to that of air-water heat pumps and conventional air conditioners with the only difference that they exchange amounts of heat with the ground and not with the outside air.

The process of transferring heat to and from the building is carried out with a cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion of the coolant. The coolant used is Freon R-410A, which is environmentally friendly.

Geothermal pump energy systems perform much better than conventional systems in extremely cold or hot climates, especially when combined with underfloor heating and fan coils. This is because the temperature fluctuations on the ground are much more balanced than on the outside air.

Geothermal pumps are connected to open or closed loop geothermal systems. The choice of the system is made depending on the hydrological-hydrogeological conditions of the installation area.

Geothermal heat pump systems have many advantages over conventional cooling / heating systems, the most important of which are:

• Production of hot and cold water for heating and cooling as well as hot water for use by the same machine.
• Complete release from oil and its ever-increasing prices.
• Big money savings due to their high efficiency compared to conventional systems (up to 75%).
• Consumption of 30% -40% less electricity than the most efficient air-cooled systems.
• Low maintenance costs. Geothermal heat pumps are not damaged after prolonged use like some conventional systems.
• Absence of noise in the use of shallow geothermal.
• Space saving, since there is no need for an oil tank and chimney (we do not burn oil or other fuel).
• Payment after consumption without the need to pre-purchase oil.
• They are environmentally friendly as there are no emissions.
• They operate reliably in extreme weather conditions (heat – frost) as the system exchanges heat with the subsoil and not directly with the environment.

For these reasons, systems based on geothermal heat pumps are considered the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly solution of all heating and cooling options, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.