Geothermal Heat Pumps: A Sustainable Heating and Cooling Solution

Everyone is looking for HVAC solutions that are good to the earth without breaking the bank. Leading the industry in sustainable HVAC solutions are geothermal heat pumps. One of the most common reasons to invest in geothermal systems–besides reducing emissions and increasing property value–is the guaranteed improvement to air quality. Read below for an introduction to how geothermal heat pumps work, their benefits, and whether you should consider installing them in your space. An Introduction to Geothermal Heat Pumps
What Are Geothermal Heat Pumps? Geothermal heat pumps are a clean, efficient, and cost-effective heating and cooling system that uses the earth’s constant underground temperatures to heat, cool, and supply hot water. Like the name suggests, they are literally a pump that transfers heat from the ground, taking advantage of earth’s temperature throughout the seasons. More specifically, about 30 feet below the ground, there is a constant temperature between 50 and 59 degrees fahrenheit year-round. Thus, in the United States at least, underground soil is typically colder than the air in the summer, and warmer than the air in the winter. This is why geothermal heat pumps can take advantage of the constant temperature for proper heating and cooling. How Do They Work? There are three parts to a geothermal heating system: the underground heat collector, the actual pump, and the heat distribution system. Here’s how they work:

• Underground heat collector: In order to use the earth’s thermal storage, a series of connected pipes are installed (vertically or horizontally) underground beneath the building it’s servicing. This pipe loop circulates a fluid that either absorbs or deposits heat to the surrounding soil, depending on whether or not you’re heating your space or cooling it.
• Heat pump: When ambient temperatures are colder than the ground (winter), the heat pump removes heat from the heat collector’s fluid, concentrates it, and uses it to heat the building. When the ambient temperatures are warmer than the ground (summer), the heat pump removes the heat from the building and deposits it underground to cool the building.
• Heat distribution system: In order to distribute the hot or cold air, conventional ductwork is typically used.

1. Geothermal energy is virtually emission-free
2. Geothermal energy doesn’t require combustion like gas or oil systems
3. Geothermal systems last longer, requiring less resources to constantly replace and throw away parts

1. They’re quieter than other systems because they don’t require noisy outdoor condensing units like traditional AC
2. They help improve indoor air quality
3. There are financial incentives to using them besides simply being a more affordable option: some state governments and utility companies offer tax incentives or cash rebates for installation

• Checking and adjusting coolant levels for proper heat transfer
• Ground loop inspection for leaks, soil erosion, or other damage
• Cleaning and replacing air filters
• Inspecting and cleaning air ducts
• Checking and tightening electrical connections
• Inspecting and lubricating motors, fans, and bearings
• Testing thermostat calibration
• Verifying the proper functioning of safety switches and controls
• Inspecting piping for leaks, corrosion, or insulation damage
• Checking for proper water pressure and flow in the hydronic systems