Geothermal Basics

How much do you know about geothermal heating and cooling? While this technology offers incredible home comfort benefits at a fraction of the cost of more traditional methods, there are still many misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about how it works.

Learn everything you need to know about how geothermal heating works, including its basic functionality, benefits, and performance compared to conventional HVAC systems. The team at Kliemann Bros can help you determine whether geothermal heating and cooling is the right fit for your South Puget Sound home and provide maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your residential geothermal system.

How Does a Geothermal System Work?

In this day and age, when everyone is concerned about the world’s limited resources and the impact of energy usage on the environment, it’s encouraging to know sustainable solutions are in development. Geothermal HVAC systems are one of those technologies that hold the potential to significantly change the way you heat your home.

Geothermal heating has been around for more than five decades. It’s the process of using the Earth’s natural heat, just under the surface, to warm your home’s air and water as well as cool your home in the summer. A geothermal heat pump essentially moves heat from your home into the ground in the summer or from the ground into your home in the winter.

Most geothermal heating systems employ ground heat exchangers to move fluid within a closed-loop system. Heavy-duty plastic pipes sit either horizontally about six feet underground or vertically as deep as 600 feet. Less common are open-looped geothermal heating systems, which are connected to a well or pond. This system moves the water from the source into an indoor heat pump for temperature control.

A special fluid produced from water and recycled antifreeze circulates through the heat exchange pipes to absorb and dispel heat, either to or from the ground. When it reaches the heat pump, the heat is moved either into or out of your home, depending on the season. The treated air is then circulated through your home’s duct system.

Key Benefits of Geothermal Energy for Homes

Now that you understand the geothermal system basics, learn about the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling in your residential space.

Quiet Operation

Unlike a whooshing air conditioner, a whirring heat pump, or a roaring furnace, powering the HVAC system in your home with geothermal energy is practically silent. The indoor portion of the system makes about as much noise as your refrigerator.

Reliability

Even the most basic geothermal HVAC systems are extremely reliable because they have far fewer moving parts than other systems. This means they’re less prone to breakdowns compared to typical air conditioners or heaters.

No Greenhouse Gases

Geothermal systems don’t emit any greenhouse gases, making them one of the most energy-efficient HVAC solutions available. The energy source is essentially renewable (aside from a small amount of external power required to operate the system), making it extremely cost-effective as well.

Longer Lifespan

Very little of a geothermal ground source heat pump is exposed to the elements, so corrosion and general wear are far less of a concern. With proper maintenance, your system can last for decades.

Significant Energy Savings

Geothermal is one of the most eco-friendly heating and cooling solutions available and is extremely low-cost once the system is in place. According to the Department of Energy, installing a geothermal HVAC system can reduce your energy bills by up to 65% when compared to conventional systems.

Is Geothermal the Right Fit for Your Home?

Geothermal HVAC systems are suitable in nearly any space, whether you live on a large acreage or on a small lot. The underground pipes that handle heat exchange can be run vertically or horizontally, making it a flexible solution that can work with virtually any home. Geothermal systems perform well in both warm and cold climates and are a suitable option for those concerned about the costs and environmental impacts of using fossil fuels.

Geothermal systems are significantly more expensive to install than most other HVAC systems. However, due to their extremely high energy efficiency, they pay for themselves in about 10 years of regular use.

Comparing Geothermal to Conventional HVAC Systems

Geothermal heating systems can be significantly more expensive than conventional HVAC systems, and installation is much more complex and time-consuming. However, geothermal systems are built to last for decades, unlike conventional systems, which typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. A geothermal heat pump typically has a life span of 25 years, while underground piping loops are designed to last for more than 50 years.

Geothermal heating systems are durable, long-lasting, and help you save far more energy than conventional systems. They use the renewable, existing resource of the heat in the earth and are both environmentally friendly and sustainable. Additionally, geothermal heating systems require very little maintenance compared to conventional systems. They also use the least amount of electricity, produce the fewest emissions, and reduce water and air pollution.

Geothermal heating systems provide safe, stable, and comfortable heat, generate less noise than conventional systems, and produce efficient humidity control for your home.

Geothermal System Maintenance and Lifespan

To get the best results and longest lifespan from a geothermal system, it’s important to keep up with the basics of geothermal maintenance. This includes:

• Regular, professional inspections of the antifreeze (or water/antifreeze mixture) loop to ensure proper levels, pressure, and temperature.
• Regular cleaning of all components exposed to the elements, such as the heat exchange and blower.
• Air duct cleaning, leak inspections, and repairs.
• Routine pipe inspections to detect any signs of leaks or damage.

By following these maintenance steps, you can keep your geothermal system running smoothly for up to 25 years without issue.

Contact Kliemann Brothers for Energy-Efficient Geothermal Solutions

At Kliemann Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re ready to help you with all of your geothermal needs. Call us at (833) 227-1886 or contact us online to learn about geothermal systems or to schedule a service. Our knowledgeable and experienced team members would be happy to discuss geothermal systems with you.