Living Green - Episode 67 - Extracting Heat From The Earth

Ground source heat pumps are efficient devices that transfer heat from the earth to warm buildings. They operate similarly to refrigerators but use renewable energy sources. Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional heating methods, providing 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of energy used. They can be applied in residential, commercial, and industrial settings for space heating and hot water supply.

What is the primary function of ground source heat pumps?

• To generate electricity

• To transfer heat from the earth to the building

• To store heat in the earth

• To cool the interior of a building

How do heat pumps differ from conventional electric heating?

• They use more energy to produce less heat

• They are less efficient than fossil fuel heating

• They are only suitable for industrial buildings

• They provide more heat for each unit of energy used

For every unit of energy used by a heat pump, how many units of heat are typically supplied?

• 1 to 2 units

• 2 to 3 units

• 3 to 4 units

• 4 to 5 units

In which types of buildings can heat pump technology be applied?

• Only industrial buildings

• Only commercial buildings

• Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings

• Only residential buildings

What additional benefit do heat pumps offer besides space heating?

• Cooling the building

• Providing domestic hot water

• Reducing humidity

• Generating electricity