ᐅ Is a Ground Heat Exchanger Better Than a Ventilation System with Heat Recovery?

I need to ask again. How much benefit does a ground heat exchanger really provide compared to a simple ventilation system with heat recovery? How long should the underground pipes be, and is it worth it in the summer as well?

The phrase "Ground heat exchanger better than" is not quite accurate; "in combination with" is more appropriate.
The ground temperature does not fluctuate as much as the air temperature, and from about 80 cm (31 inches) depth in our latitudes it is considered frost-proof.
Try searching for ground temperature online.

nistibee schrieb:
How much does a ground heat exchanger really improve performance compared to a simple ventilation system with heat recovery?

See the images: Outside temperature: 3.9°C (39°F) -> Ground heat exchanger -> Temperature at ventilation system inlet 14.1°C (57°F) -> Heat recovery and heating = Indoor temperature 21.6°C (71°F) -> Heat exchanger -> Temperature at ventilation system outlet 20.3°C (69°F)

nistibee schrieb:
How long should the ground pipes be?

My research some time ago suggested between about 30 and 50 meters (98 to 164 feet) per loop, due to residence time, heat transfer, and pressure drop.

nistibee schrieb:
Is it also worth it in summer?

If you look up ground temperature, you will see that it is also capped at an upper limit. This means the indoor air heats up somewhat less during the day in summer.