Many homeowners find the ground source heat pump less noisy, and because the pump is usually underground, it poses no danger to pets or children. The fact that the pump and any attachments are underground or inside the home also contributes to the longevity of the pump – the pump itself often carries a significant warranty. Most users report geothermal heating & air systems save them 25 – 50 percent of their energy bill compared to their bill using traditional heating and cooling. Whether your home is being newly built or already has an established HVAC system, you can benefit from the use of a ground source heat pump.

Geothermal Technology

Geothermal heat pumps use the earth as a heat production source in the winter and as a heat extraction source in the summer. In fact, a ground source heat pump is 50 – 70 percent more efficient than other heating systems and air conditioners. Some utility providers and pump manufacturers even provide substantial rebates or financing incentives for homeowners considering installing a GSHP. The pump virtually pays for itself in energy savings and lower maintenance costs. And best of all, the benefits of a geothermal system are applicable to homes and commercial buildings alike.

Ground and water temperatures, 6 feet below the earth’s surface, stay relatively constant throughout the year this is the depth of a typical horizontal field. This allows the system to provide extremely efficient heating or cooling all year long in virtually any climate. This technology is very environmentally friendly because a heat pump absorbs or rejects heat from the earth, burns no fuel, has no emissions and has virtually no impact on the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

I already have a furnace or other heating system is it possible to install a Geothermal unit?

Yes almost any system can be replaced with a Geothermal Heat Pump even Boilers and radiant systems!

How does 50 degree ground make my house warm in winter?

A Geothermal system converts the state of the heat to a usable temperature through the refrigeration process very much like when you put products into your freezer at home and the cabinet gets warm on the exterior that warming of the cabinet is the heat being extracted from the products inside the freezer. Likewise, the heat inside your home is the heat being extracted from the ground by the geothermal heat pump.

Why does the ground loop need to be so large?

Although the heat stored in the ground may be nearly unlimited soils move heat rather slowly, usually less than 1 btu per cubic foot of mass per hour so to properly heat a house losing 50-100,000 btu’s per hour a large loop area is required to match the soils rate of heat transfer also called thermal conductivity.

Do geothermal systems require much maintenance?

No. Geothermal systems are practically maintenance free. The buried loop will last for generations. The unit’s fan, compressor and pump are housed indoors, protected from the weather and contamination. Usually, periodic checks and filter changes are the only required maintenance. However complex geothermal systems may require some adjustments in the first year of operation similar to any complex heating system.

How efficient is a geothermal system?

A geothermal system is over five times more efficient in heating and more than twice as efficient in cooling as the most efficient ordinary system. Because geothermal systems move existing heat rather than creating it through combustion, they provide four to five units of energy for every one unit used to power the system.

Does a geothermal system heat and cool?

Yes nearly every model provides both heating and cooling capability built in.

Can a geothermal system also heat water?

Yes geothermal heat pumps can provide nearly all of your hot water needs at the same high efficiencies as the heating/cooling cycles. An option called a hot water generator can be added to most heat pumps. It will provide significant savings by heating water before it enters your hot water tank.

Do I still need a water heater?

Yes the hot water generator only provides hot water while the system is actively heating or cooling your home so a water heater is still necessary.

Is this recent technology? How long has this been used?

The technology made its way into the United States in the 1940’s but since that time incredible improvements in both the heat pumps, buried pipe or earth loop have made the systems both extremely reliable and incredibly energy efficient.

What is an open loop system?

An open loop system uses groundwater from an ordinary well as a heat source eliminating the need for a ground loop. Normally the water is then put back into the ground through another well with nothing changed other than its temperature.

What is a closed loop?

A closed loop is a sealed system of high density polyethylene pipe circulating through the ground that is typically filled and pressurized eliminating any contaminants and making them virtually maintenance free.

I have a pond or stream nearby. Can I put a loop in it or use it some other way?

Yes we have many successful installations utilizing both ponds and streams in Utah some with open loops and some with closed loops please contact us with your specific situation.