Frequently Asked Questions About Geothermal

Ground source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heating and cooling, use the stored solar energy (ground source energy) underground to efficiently heat and cool homes and buildings. The heat pump is a critical component of the geothermal system, which is made of of two parts primarily: the ground source heat pump that sites inside your home, and the ground loop field buried outside.

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A solar PV array is the perfect match for a geothermal heating and cooling system. Since less electricity is needed to power geothermal, a solar PV array can cover the heating and cooling energy load, as well as the entire house’s energy load if sized correctly.

Learn more about the power of solar PV and geothermal.

Yes! Year-round heating is available for your pool through the use of a geothermal heat pump. This is the most efficient way to keep your pool comfortable, no matter the temperature.

Of course! There are different options for geothermal installations when replacing an existing HVAC system. Normally, the geothermal system will completely replace your current system, bringing exposed equipment into a mechanical room, attic, or closet. Ground loops will need to be installed underground for any geothermal system.

If you're concerned with limited indoor space, a split system may be an option. Like a traditional system, part of the new geothermal unit will be kept outdoors, and the other part will be kept indoors.

Depending on your current home's needs, a hybrid system may be a valuable option if your existing furnace is still in good working condition or if you live in a very cold area. It's estimated that 90% of your home's heating requirement will be generated by the geothermal heat pump, while the traditional system turns on when the temperature outside is very cold. Geothermal systems work alone in very cold temperatures as well.

The average lifespan of a geothermal heat pump is 22-25 years with proper upkeep. We've heard of many systems outlasting this range. For comparison, conventional HVAC systems have a lifespan of 13 - 15 years.

The ground loops are usually only installed once underground have an indefinite lifespan of 100 years plus with a 50-year warranty.

If ground loops have been installed previously, the indoor geothermal system can typically be replaced at the same expense and work as a conventional system.

Almost 50% of the sun's solar energy is absorbed by the earth. The ground loop system harnesses this, utilizing renewable energy to power the geothermal heat pump so it can provide efficient heating and cooling to homes and buildings.

Simply put, traditional heating and cooling methods like propane, natural gas, etc. are not as cost-effective to operate, are less efficient, and not as environmentally friendly since they don't use renewable energy. Unlike conventional HVAC, geothermal doesn't require combustion (flames) to provide heating, making it safer and more environmentally friendly.

Air-source and mini-split ductless systems rely on outdoor temperatures to heat and cool, which can vary from below freezing to very hot. That requires more energy to keep a home or building comfortable. Geothermal, on the other hand, transfers heat from a consistent and moderate temperature below ground.

Yes! Geothermal heat pumps can be installed in various types of yards for both buildings and homes through different types of ground loops. As long as you have a 10x10 area of land, a vertical ground loop system should do the trick.

Absolutely anywhere (within reason, of course)! Geothermal works in cities, suburbs, or rural areas. That also includes mountain regions, the Caribbean, and in all types of homes, old or new in various sizes. These versatile systems have even been used for greenhouses for consistent temperatures year-round. Geothermal is the ultimate heating and cooling solution.

Our CEO, Steve, answers this best with an added touch of humor. He says, "In over 30 years of experience, I've only found two real drawbacks to geothermal heat pumps: They cost more up-front to install, and it may displace the earthworms."

However, through flexible payment plans, cost-saving operations and maintenance, and incentives, there are ways to offset initial install costs, and the earthworms can find some new dirt to call home.