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What is Geothermal Heating

 

Geothermal-heating-and-cooling-Repair

 

Similar to central heating in some ways, geothermal heating is the process of transferring heat into or out of the earth for residential space heating and cooling systems. Heat can be transferred into the earth via a groundwater heat pump by running cold water through an underground loop. The loop can be installed several feet below ground, in vertical boreholes up to 300 feet deep, or horizontal loops in ponds or fields.

A geothermal heat pump transfers heat from this loop to your home's air handler where it is distributed throughout your home via radiators, baseboard heaters, or floor systems.

 

The Benefits of Geothermal Heating Systems

 

 

Geothermal heating is a smart, clean, and efficient way to heat and cool your home.

Geothermal systems:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about half compared to electricity for electric resistance heating or by about two-thirds compared to propane for heating oil-fueled equipment.

  • Provide higher efficiency than other forms of residential heating because the ground loop can extract heat from even very cold soil.

  • Are safe - no confined space entry is required during construction or maintenance.

  • Produce extremely high levels of comfort because they cycle on and off as needed to maintain the desired temperature, allowing the system to work only when necessary maintaining maximum efficiency. Operates silently with no fan noise.

 

Do I Need To Hire an Expert To Install a Geothermal Heating System?

 

Typically, yes. Most geothermal heating installations are best handled by a qualified contractor to ensure the best quality installation and performance. The average system requires about 75 feet of vertical well or borehole excavation for each ton of capacity. Well, drilling costs increase considerably with depth. 

Typically, wells must be drilled down to at least 30 to 40 feet below your property's frost line for adequate freeze protection. Geothermal heat pumps also require an open area called a plenum where the piping can move the water through the system. This plenum must be large enough to accommodate all of the loops without constriction or kinking into smaller areas that restrict flow. 

 

What Are The Negatives of Geothermal Heating Systems

 

There are very few negatives associated with geothermal heating. Geothermal heat pumps require an open area called a plenum where the piping can move the water through the system. This plenum must be large enough to accommodate all of the loops without constriction or kinking into smaller areas that restrict flow.

 

Is Geothermal Heating The Right Choice For My Home

 

It depends on your area. Geothermal heat pump systems can be used effectively in any climate, but they are most efficient and economical to use where the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures is greatest. If you have colder winters with differences being 30°F or more, it makes sense to install a geothermal heating system. 

Also, if you want to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions or help conserve energy resources, geothermal is an excellent choice for heating. Even if heating costs are not a big concern for you, there are other benefits of geothermal heating systems that make them worthwhile options. If you are looking for furnace repair in McKinney or furnace installation in Plano, our team are the experts you need to call - contact us today to get an estimate!