Seminar 15-1 -- Chicago Smackdown: Air Source vs. Ground Source or Best Practices for Air Source vs. Ground Source Heat Pump Systems

This product is a PDF that contains links to files that consist of PowerPoint slides synchronized with the audio-recording of the speaker (recorded presentation), PDF files of the slides, and audio only (mp3) as noted.

As engineers we are inundated with claims by sales people that their equipment is more efficient, more sustainable or 'greener' than the competition's. Renewable and conventional technologies compete against each other for the ever shrinking mechanical equipment budget. Which system is best? Which is most efficient? Who do you believe? Air-source vs. ground source: which is better? Neither heat pump system is a one-size fits all solution. As engineers, we need to understand how each system is rated for capacity and efficiency. We need to understand this so that a baseline can be established from which to fairly compare different mechanical systems for our clients. To correctly select equipment it is important to understand the technology's limitations and its applications. With this information an 'apples to apples' comparison of system installed and operating costs may be prepared.

Correcting Ratings to Compare ASHPs to GSHPs
Steve Kavanaugh, Ph.D., Fellow ASHRAE
This product contains: Recorded Presentation Audio (mp3) Slides (pdf)

Air-Source Heat Pump Water Heaters for Domestic Hot Water Applications
Chris Gray, Member
This product contains: Recorded Presentation Audio (mp3) Slides (pdf)

Actual System Operating Cost: Air vs. Ground Source
Kirk T. Mescher, P.E., Member
This product contains: Recorded Presentation Audio (mp3) Slides (pdf)