Sign up for Promotions
Geothermal Tips
That expensive geothermal system sitting on your property is a marvel. It heats. It cools. And it can keep running for decades if it is properly maintained. But, while most people have a basic idea of what a furnace or boiler requires, what kind of work does a geothermal system need and how do you ensure it is maintained consistently over the years? While your owner’s manual will provide specific instructions for regular maintenance, the following general tips can get you started.
Checking the Air Filters
A geothermal system has a number of air filters used directly on the pumps for the compressors. Some of these filters are disposable and need to be replaced whenever they get clogged with dust or other debris. There are other filters that are non–disposable, however, that need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
Most service providers offer a range of annual cleaning services to remove the excess dust and debris that compiles on these filters, but this cleaning can also be done by the owner with special care for the rest of the parts. Each system has different cleaning instructions so follow your owner’s manual carefully.
A Geothermal System is an Investment
A geothermal heating and cooling system’s biggest sticking point is the drilling cost when installing the system. It can range anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more depending on the placement of your home, local regulations, and the ground on your property. Beyond the drilling, you will pay for the heating system itself along with any ductwork, the pump, and the necessary parts to keep it running.
So, what does that mean for your wallet? On average, a traditional heating and cooling system costs between 20–30% of a geothermal installation. However, that traditional system can cost significantly more each year in fuel and electricity to run. Despite the cost difference, the average geothermal heating system pays for itself in less than 10–15 years and lasts for well over 20 years with proper maintenance and care.
Ductwork Maintenance
While your geothermal pump is incredibly efficient and uses almost no energy to run, the ductwork can have a sharply negative effect if it is not kept in good working order. That means it should be serviced once every year to check for leaks, loose connections and excess debris that tends to build up in the crevices.
Some duct cleaning can be done by the owner as well. Cleaning out vent space with a vacuum cleaner or duster is a good idea on a weekly basis. Additionally, check any ducts in the basement whenever you have a chance. This allows you to make sure they are still working properly and that they don’t have any cracks or leaks.
Checking for Problems
If you suspect problems in your system due to uneven heating, rising energy usage, or failure to keep your home cool or warm, there are a few things you can do. First, check for any abnormal sounds coming from the system. The pump itself should have the same soft hum as when you bought it and there should not be any rattling or banging in your ducts. There is also a series of LED lights on your pump that will provide messages if there are any problems.
Check these lights to make sure your pump is in good working order and that there are not any errors in operation. If there are, use your owner’s manual to check the code and then call a professional to have the necessary service performed. Regular checkups of your system should keep any such issues from arising, but if they do, most geothermal service providers offer emergency repair service as well.
Join Us Online