geothermal

Geothermal Heat Pumps are self-contained units that efficiently heat and cool homes and commercial buildings, while also providing hot water. They utilize standard electronic thermostats and duct systems, making them suitable for retrofitting standard heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Geothermal Heat Pumps can be sized to heat and cool any building in any climate.

Unlike conventional heating and cooling systems that rely on outside air to absorb and release heat, Geothermal Heat Pumps transfer heat from and to the ground. This is done through closed loops of plastic pipes buried horizontally or vertically below the frost line, where temperatures remain consistently between 40° and 80°F, depending on your location. Known as ground loops, these pipes are tightly sealed and connected to the geothermal heating and cooling system inside the building. Water circulates through the underground pipes in the ground loop.

During the summer, the system operates in cooling mode, transferring unwanted indoor heat outside via the water in the pipes, which is cooled by the earth. This cool water is then circulated back to the geothermal system indoors to provide efficient air conditioning. In the winter, the process reverses in heating mode. The earth heats the water circulating through the pipes, which is then transferred to the geothermal system to provide indoor space heating. Hot water can also be provided with little to no additional monthly energy cost.

Although there is a higher initial cost for Geothermal Heat Pump systems due to excavation or drilling for ground loops, energy savings can quickly offset the difference compared to conventional systems. Typical residential Geothermal Heat Pump installations can recoup their costs in 4 to 7 years, and even sooner with federal, state, and utility rebates