What do ground source heat pumps extract heat for?

Ground source heat pumps, often referred to as geothermal heat pumps, operate by extracting heat from the ground or transferring heat to the ground, depending on the system's operational mode. They utilize the relatively stable temperature of the ground as a heat source during the heating season and a heat sink during the cooling season.

In heating applications, ground source heat pumps absorb the thermal energy stored below the earth's surface and transfer it into a building to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Conversely, during the cooling season, the process is reversed; heat is extracted from the indoor environment and expelled into the ground, keeping the building cool.

While generating hot water can indeed be a function of ground source heat pumps, their primary purpose encompasses a broader range of heating and cooling applications. Therefore, the best answer focuses on their capability to provide both heating and cooling, making this option the most comprehensive representation of the heat pump's functionality.