Geothermal FAQs

Geothermal heat pumps work much the same as a standard heat pump. With the use of a condenser, they pull warm air from one environment and pump it into another. However, unlike a normal heat pump, a geothermal heat pump uses the natural energy stored beneath the earth to heat your home.

There are many different installation methods for geothermal systems. The most common is the closed loop. A closed loop works with a series of pipes filled with water and coolant. This coolant is circulated into the earth where it gathers heat from the natural warmth held by the earth. The heat is then transferred within the pump through condenser coils. Air is drawn into the system and pumped into your home’s ductwork and you have heat.

The most effective in terms of raw heating power is a vertical system. However, a vertical system is also the most expensive because it requires a deep hole to be dug on your property and a long length of pipe. With building codes, the cost of drilling and the energy needed to draw water up from so deep, this can be an expensive proposition.

For most climates, a horizontal piping solution works equally well at a fraction of the cost. Instead of digging deep into the earth, horizontal piping is laid roughly four feet beneath your property and in a wide area to draw as much heat as possible. The water is then cycled into the pump and used to heat your air. This system works well in climates that rarely get too much below the freezing mark.

A geothermal system is no different from a standard air conditioner, heat pump or furnace which all require maintenance every year or two to keep in top condition. You should research your specific system and follow careful maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Much of the work can be done at home by you and your family with a once a year follow–up visit from your service provider to keep things running smoothly. Maintenance usually involves replacing disposable filters, cleaning permanent filters and checking all the parts within your system for wear and tear.

Ductwork maintenance is also very important to check for cracks, leaks, or other problems that might lead to long term failures in your system. If you plan on having a full duct system installed in your home, make sure it is checked at least once each year for potential problems and cleaned out to avoid any filtration problems.

The first sign of a serious problem in your geothermal system is when it stops working as it once did. If it always provided even heat to your entire home and suddenly it does not, it’s likely because of a breakdown in a part within the pump or a problem in your ductwork. Uneven heating between rooms is also a very clear sign that there is a problem in your system.

Watch for potential problems with your energy bills as well. Geothermal systems should use very little, if any, energy to heat or cool your home. If your energy bill suddenly spikes and you don’t know why, it may be your pump is having a problem.

Finally, check your manual for notifications. Many systems have LED warning lights to help owners determine when it’s time to call for professional service. Check these regularly to make sure nothing is wrong with your system.