Finding the Right Geothermal Dealer for Your System Installation

Geothermal systems are not difficult to install by trained professionals. However, they are also not "do-it-yourself" projects. Finding the right geothermal dealer for installing a geothermal system is important to insure that the system will operate at its peak performance and provide years of trouble-free performance. Several qualifications should be considered when selecting a heating and cooling dealer.

Invest in $avings

Geothermal Systems Operate for 1/2 to 1/4 the Cost of Most Other Heating and Cooling Systems!

One of the main reasons many homeowners choose geothermal is the benefit of lower operating costs. In most homes, the cost for heating, cooling and hot water combine for about 70% of the total utility costs. Therefore, the biggest opportunity to save a substantial amount in utility costs is to improve those systems. That's where geothermal can help in a big way.

For every one unit of energy purchased to operate a geothermal unit, it delivers four to five units of energy because the energy from the earth is free.

Types of Installations

Vertical Loops are used extensively where land area is limited or soil conditions prohibit digging horizontal loops. A pair of pipes with a special U-Bend assembly at the bottom are inserted into a bore hole that averages between 150 to 300 feet deep per ton (13 to 27 meters per kW) of equipment. These holes are then backfi lled with a special grout solution to ensure good contact with the earth.

Horizontal Loops are installed in areas where the soil conditions allow for economical excavation. Taking up more land area than any other loop type, they are used where space permits. Trenches are normally about 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) deep with multiple pipes placed in the trench at diff erent depths. Normally, several hundred feet (over 100 meters) of trench is required, but where space permits these loops are considered desirable.

Pond Loops are usually very economical to install. If a pond or lake at least eight feet (2.5 meters) deep is available, pond loops can utilize the water (rather than soil) to transfer heat to and from the pond. A coiled pipe is placed in the body of water, which should cover about 1/2 acre (0.2 hectare). An average home would require about 900 feet (27 meters) of pipe. Reduced installation costs and high performance are characteristic of this type of loop.

Open Loop installations actually pump water from an underground aquifer through the geothermal unit and then discharge that water to a drainage ditch or pond. The geothermal unit processes the heat energy from the water just like a closed loop installation. Discharging water to a “return” well is sometimes eff ective, but sending water to a pond or lake is considered more reliable.