## What is a Water Source Heat Pump?
A water source heat pump (WSHP) is a type of heat pump that uses water as its heat source. This means that the heat pump extracts heat from water and transfers it to the interior of a building to provide heating. WSHPs can also be used for cooling, by extracting heat from the interior of a building and transferring it to the water source.
WSHPs are a highly efficient way to heat and cool a building. They can provide up to 400% efficiency, meaning that they can produce four units of heat for every unit of electricity they consume. This makes them much more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems, such as furnaces and air conditioners.
WSHPs are also a very cost-effective way to heat and cool a building. They can save homeowners up to 50% on their energy bills.
## How Does a Water Source Heat Pump Work?
A WSHP works by using a refrigerant to transfer heat from the water source to the interior of a building. The refrigerant is a liquid that has a low boiling point. When the refrigerant is exposed to heat, it turns into a gas. The gas is then compressed, which increases its temperature. The hot gas is then passed through a heat exchanger, which transfers the heat to the interior of the building.
The cooled refrigerant is then passed through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure. The low-pressure refrigerant then flows back to the water source, where it is cooled again and the cycle repeats.
## Types of Water Source Heat Pumps
There are two main types of WSHPs:
Open-loop WSHPs use water from a natural source, such as a river, lake, or pond.
Closed-loop WSHPs use water from a closed loop, such as a geothermal heat exchange system.
Open-loop WSHPs are less efficient than closed-loop WSHPs, but they are also less expensive to install. Closed-loop WSHPs are more efficient than open-loop WSHPs, but they are also more expensive to install.
## Benefits of Using a Water Source Heat Pump
There are many benefits to using a WSHP, including:
High efficiency: WSHPs can provide up to 400% efficiency, making them much more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems.
Low operating costs: WSHPs can save homeowners up to 50% on their energy bills.
Environmental friendliness: WSHPs do not produce any emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly option than traditional heating and cooling systems.
Quiet operation: WSHPs are very quiet, making them ideal for residential applications.
## Conclusion
WSHPs are a highly efficient and cost-effective way to heat and cool a building. They are also environmentally friendly and quiet. If you are looking for a way to save money on your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact, a WSHP is a great option.
## Additional Information
[Department of Energy: Water Source Heat Pumps](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-source-heat-pumps)
[Environmental Protection Agency: Water Source Heat Pumps](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/water-source-heat-pumps)
[International Ground Source Heat Pump Association: Water Source Heat Pumps](https://www.igshpa.org/geothermal/water-source-heat-pumps/)