Video: Stem Walls and GSHP:
What's a Stem Wall?
Stem walls are supporting structures that are used as a means of joining the foundation of a building with the vertical walls constructed on the foundation. The wall is often constructed with the use of concrete and steel, and works with the foundational slab to create a solid basis for the building. Along with establishing foundational integrity for the building, these walls also aid in minimizing damage to the materials used to create the vertical walls.
What is a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)?
Earth Connection Subsystem
Using the earth as a heat source/sink, a series of connected pipes, commonly called a "loop," is buried in the ground near the building to be conditioned. The loop can be buried either vertically or horizontally. It circulates a fluid (water, or a mixture of water and antifreeze) that absorbs heat from, or relinquishes heat to, the surrounding soil, depending on whether the ambient air is colder or warmer than the soil.
