Let us show you their credentials

Frequently Asked Questions: Geothermal

What makes a Geothermal system different from ordinary systems?

Unlike ordinary air source systems, Geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuel to generate heat; they simply transfer heat to and from the earth to provide a more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly method of heating and cooling.  Typically, electric power is used only to operate the unit's fan, compressor and pump.

What are the components of a Geothermal system?

The three main parts consist of the heat-pump unit, the liquid heat-exchange medium (earth loop), and the air-delivery system (ductwork).

How efficient is a Geothermal system?

A Geothermal system is three to four times more efficient than the most efficient ordinary air source system.  Because Geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuels to make heat, they provide three to four units of energy for every one unit used to power the system.

How do I know if the dealer and loop installers are qualified?

Don't be afraid to ask for references from dealers.  A reputable dealer won't hesitate to give you names and numbers to call to confirm his capabilities.

How long is the payback period for a Geothermal system?

To figure this accurately, you must know how much you'll save each year in energy costs with a geothermal system as well as the price difference between it and an ordinary air source heating system and central air conditioner.

As an example:  If you'll save $700 per year with a geothermal system and the price difference is $2,000, your payback will be less than three years.  If you install a Geothermal system in a new home, the monthly savings in operating costs generally will offset the additional monthly cost in the mortgage, resulting in an immediate positive cash flow.

Do Geothermal systems require much maintenance?

No.  Geothermal systems are practically maintenance free.  When installed properly, the buried loop will last for generations.  And the other half of the operation- the unit's fan, compressor and pump- is housed indoors, protected from the harsh weather conditions.  Usually, periodic checks and filter changes are the only required maintenance.  

What does Geothermal mean for the environment?

Geothermal systems work with nature, not against it.  They emit no greenhouse gases, which have been linked to global warming, acid rain and other environmental hazards.  WaterFurnace provides an earth loop antifreeze which will not harm the environment in the unlikely event of a leak.  And much of the WaterFurnace product line uses R-410a, a performance-enhancing refrigerant that will not harm the earth's ozone layer.

Does a Geothermal system heat and cool?

One thing that makes a geothermal heat pump so versatile is its ability to be a heating and cooling system in one.  With a simple flick of a switch on your indoor thermostat, you can change from one mode to another.  In the cooling mode, a geothermal heat pump takes heat from indoors and transfers it to the cooler earth through the underground loop system.  In the heating mode, the process is reversed.

Can a Geothermal system also heat water?

Yes.  Some Geothermal heat pumps can provide all of your hot water needs on demand at the same high efficiencies as the heating/cooling cycles.  An option called a desuperheater can be added to most heat pumps.  It will provide sufficient savings by heating water before it enters your hot water tank.

Can a have radiant floor heating with a Geothermal system?

Yes.  A Geothermal system also makes hot water that can be used to provide radiant floor heating in your home.

Do I need separate earth loops for heating and cooling?

No.  The same loop works for both.  To switch heating to cooling, or vice versa, the flow of heat is simply reversed.

Does the underground pipe system really work?

The buried pipe, or earth loop, was an important technical advancement in heat pump technology.  The idea of burying pipe in the ground to gather heat energy originated in the 1940's.  New heat pump designs and more durable pipe materials have been combined to make Geothermal heat pumps the most efficient heating and cooling systems available.

What is a closed loop system?

A closed loop system uses a continuous loop of buried polyethylene pipe.  The pipe is connected to the indoor heat pump to form a sealed, underground loop through which an environmentally friendly antifreeze-and-water solution is circulated.  A closed loop system constantly re-circulates its heat-transferring solution in pressurized pipe, unlike an open loop system that consumes water from a well.  Most closed loops are trenched horizontally in areas adjacent to the building.  However, where adequate land is not available, loops are vertically bored.  Any area near a home or business with appropriate soil conditions and adequate square footage will work.

How long will the loop pipe last?

Closed loop systems should be installed using only high-density polyethylene pipe.  Properly installed, these pipes will last for many decades.  The are inert to chemicals normally found in soil and have good heat conducting properties.  PVC pipe should never be used.

How are the pipe sections of the loop joined?

Pipe sections are joined by thermal fusion using a special tool heated to 500 degrees F.  Thermal fusion involves heating the pipe connections and then fusing them together to form a joint that's stronger than the original pipe.  This technique creates a secure connection to protect from leakage and contamination.

Will an earth loop harm my lawn or landscape?

No.  Research has proven that loops have no adverse effect on grass, trees, or shrubs.  Most horizontal loop installations use trenches about 24 inches wide.  This, of course, will initially leave temporary bare areas, but they can easily be restored with grass seed or sod.  Vertical loops require little space and result in minimal lawn damage.

I have a pond nearby.  Can I put a loop in it?

Yes, if it's deep enough and large enough.  A minimum of six feet in depth at its lowest level during the year is needed for a pond to be considered.  The amount of surface area required depends on the heating and cooling load of the structure.