Geothermal heat pumps use the earth as a source of and sink for thermal energy used and given off by structures to be space conditioned. Closed and open loops of polyethylene pipe are placed into the ground or into surface waters to effect heat exchange with the earth. The space conditioning that results has significant benefits to the end user, to utility companies and to the local and national economies. Increased emphasis on education and technical awareness, decreasing first costs of installations and the availability of economic assistance to prospective geothermal heat pump system purchasers have led to impressive recent acceptance and market penetration.
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