Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a comfort difference with geothermal systems over convential heating & cooling systems?

Geothermal systems set the standard for comfort. Because of government-mandated energy efficiency goals, conventional air-source heat pumps have no choice but to leave you with a muggy, clammy facility. That is because they must have a relatively high coil temperature to meet their efficiency ratings. Geothermal systems can remove more moisture from the air in your facility than a convential system and leave you with a comfortable environment.

Can geothermal help my allergies?

Yes. The ability of geothermal climate control systems to control humidity can greatly reduce mold grown in your duct system. Combined with a high-efficiency filter, geothermal gives you the a safer, cleaner environment.

Isn't this a new, risky technology?

No. The technology has been around for a long time. You have probably seen it in older air conditioning systems that use cooling towers. Circulating water is used as the heat exchanger transfer medium in those systems. The difference with geothermal is in the use of the earth as a heat source in the winter and a heat exchanger sink in the summer.

What about maintenance costs?

Since a geothermal system is installed indoors with no outdoor unit, maintenance is considerably reduced. Outdoor air-source units must operate in great temperature extremes. This places high demands on the compressor. Coil contamination with airborne dust, leaves, seeds, etc., places even higher demands on the compressor and greatly reduces operating efficiency. This leads to relatively short compressor life. On the other hand, geothermal systems suffer from none of these disadvantages. A geothermal system has a compressor life averaging almost two times those of air-source units! This extended life means much lower maintenance costs for ownership and no maintenance cost with a Geothermal Utilities lease-to-own system.

What about durability?

The geothermal field is underground. The rest of the system lasts longer than conventional systems because it is indoors and is protected from harsh outdoor conditions.

Are geothermal systems noisy?

No. There is no noisy outdoor unit and the indoor unit makes about the same amount of noise as your present air handler.

Are geothermal systems clean?

Yes. They minimize the environmental problems associated with fluorocarbon damage to the ozone layer. There are no long, leakage prone fluorocarbon lines since the entire refrigerant loop is within the cabinet.

What is this I hear about "free" hot water?

In the summer, a geothermal system produces heat that it does not need. This "superheat" is used in a device knows as a desuperheater to heat your water. During these times, the heat for your hot water is indeed free. In the winter, water is heated with the same high efficiency with which your facility is heated. Air-source heat pumps waste heat in the summer while you pay to heat your water.

What about humidity control?

Geothermal systems excel at humidity control. Buildings with geothermal climate control are not clammy or muggy. Better humidity control means reduced chances of mold growth in your duct system.

Can I heat my pool or spa with geothermal?

Yes. Geothermal is the cheapest way to heat a pool or spa. Finally, you will be able to extend the swimming season at a price you can afford.

How efficient is a ground-source system?

A ground-source system is more than three times as efficient as the most economical fossil-fuel furnace. Instead of burning a combustible fuel to create heat, a ground-source system moves the earth’s energy. By moving heat, the ground-source system provides three to four units of energy for every one unit used to power the system's compressor, fan and water pump.

Can owners afford the investment?

While investing in a ground-source system is initially more expensive than a conventional system, it yields a very attractive annual savings. A typical payback period is three to five years. In addition, the ground-source system increases the value of your facility. Where the initial costs are an obstacle, consider Geothermal Utilities' lease-to-own option.

Does the underground pipe system really work?

Yes. The idea to bury pipe in the ground to gather heat energy began in the 1940s. It has only been in the last decade that new ground-source system designs and improved pipe materials have been combined to make this efficient heating and cooling system available.

Do I need separate ground loops for heating and cooling?

No. The same loop provides both heating and cooling. The flow of heat is reversed when changing from heat to cool, or vice versa. Heat always moves to the cooler location.

Does the water in the ground loop ever freeze?

No. In northern climates where ground temperatures can reach below freezing, a biodegradable antifreeze solution is mixed with water in the loop that will keep it from freezing.

How can I be sure the pipe is installed properly?

Use a state-licensed geothermal drilling company and loop installer and only use IGSHPA-certified fusion piping installer. All of this is provided by Goethermal Utilities LLC.

How long will the ground loop last?

Ground loop systems should only be installed using high-density polyethylene or polybutylene pipe. Properly installed, these pipes are guaranteed to be free of defect for 50 years by the pipe manufacturer. Thermal fusion is used to connect the pipes, eliminating any metal that could corrode underground.

What is thermal fusion?

Thermal fusion is the only acceptable method to connect polyethylene pipe sections. Pipe connections are heated and fused together to form a joint stronger than the original pipe. Glue or adhesive is not recommended due to expansion and contraction during the heating and cooling seasons.

How is geothermal heating and cooling environmental friendly?

According to data supplied by the U.S. Department of Energy and EPA, a typical 3-ton residential geothermal heating and cooling system produces an average of about one pound less CO2 per hour of use than a conventional system. To put that in perspective, if just 100,000 homes converted to geothermal heating and cooling, the country could reduce its CO2 emissions by 880 million pounds. That would be the equivalent of converting about 58,700 cars to zero-emission vehicles, or planting more than 120,000 acres of trees. And the waste-heat removed from the home's interior during the cooling season can be used to provide virtually free hot water — resulting in a total savings in hot water costs of about 30% annually, and lowering emissions even further.

Today, more than 650,000 geothermal heat pump units are installed in the U.S., resulting in an annual savings of 5.2 billion kilowatt-hours, 26 trillion btu of fossil fuels, reducing electricity demand by 1.7 million kilowatts, and eliminating nearly 4 million tons of CO2. Those 650,000 installations are equivalent to taking 840,000 cars off the road, planting 250 million trees, or reducing U.S. reliance on imported fuels by 14 million barrels of crude oil per year. Because they burn no fossil fuels on site, geothermal heating and cooling systems generate virtually no carbon dioxide emissions.