What is one application of ground source heat pumps?

Ground source heat pumps are highly efficient systems that utilize the stable temperatures found in the ground or groundwater to provide heating and cooling for indoor spaces. During winter, these systems extract heat from the ground and transfer it indoors, effectively raising the temperature of a building. This method is particularly advantageous because the ground temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, allowing for more energy-efficient heating compared to traditional systems that rely on combustion or electric heating.

In summer, the process can be reversed, using the cooler underground temperatures to help cool indoor spaces. However, the primary recognized application—especially in temperate climates—is heating indoor environments. This capability highlights the value of ground source heat pumps in sustainable building practices and energy conservation.

The other choices do not align with the principal function of ground source heat pumps. While cooling swimming pools, generating electricity, and pumping water for irrigation are important in different contexts, they do not pertain to the core application of ground source heat pumps, which is focused on creating comfortable indoor climates through effective heating and cooling solutions.