HeatPump, Geothermal

What is a GeoThermal Heatpump?

Because underground temperatures do not change and remain relatively constant year-round, a geothermal system, which consists of an indoor unit and a buried earth loop, capitalizes on these constant temperatures.

The winter, fluid circulating through the system's earth loop absorbs stored heat and carries it indoors. The indoor unit compresses the heat to a higher temperature and distributes it throughout the building. In the summer, the system reverses, pulling heat from the building, carrying through the earth loop and depositing it in the cooler earth.

Why are geothermal heat pumps more efficient than air source heat heat pumps?

The geothermal system cycles water from a well, pond, lake or river, or water piped through underground plastic tubing, to warm or cool the heat pump's refrigerant. Liquid such as water or an antifreeze solution is a much better heat transfer medium than air. Overall, the liquid medium for heat transfer is about 30% more efficient than air.

How many Types of Geothermal Units Exist?

There are 4 types.

1. Ground Water Energy Systems (Open Loop) have been utilizing the earth's natural heat source/heat sink ability for over 40 years. Ground Water Energy Systems draw water from an aquifer via a supply well, pass through the Geothermal heat pump's heat exchanger where heat is either absorbed or rejected, then returned to the aquifer via a return well.
2. Vertical Energy Systems (Closed Loop) utilize the natural thermal properties of the earth in a similar manor to the Ground Water Energy Systems. However instead of pumping water out of a well then back into the ground, you simply circulate water or an antifreeze solution through a closed loop network of plastic pipe that is inserted into vertical wells. These vertical wells are drilled to a depth of 100 to 300 feet per ton of air conditioning.
3. Horizontal Energy Systems (Closed Loop) also utilize the Earth's plentiful and renewable thermal characteristics. Like the Vertical Energy systems, Horizontal Energy Systems circulate water or an antifreeze solution through a closed loop network of sealed and pressurized plastic pipe that is buried in the ground. Instead of inserting the plastic pipe into vertical wells the pipe is laid into horizontal trenches that are trenched at a typical depth of 4 to 6 feet and to a length of 75 to 400 feet per ton of air conditioning.
4. Pond or Lake Energy Systems (Closed Loop) may be the most economical system to install and has many advantages for producing energy savings. This system utilizes a near by body of water such as a lake or a pond. As with the Vertical and Horizontal Energy Systems it is a closed loop of sealed and pressurized plastic pipe and water or an antifreeze fluid solution. Instead of inserting the pipe into a vertical well or laying the pipe in a horizontal trench the pipe is submerged into a body of water (pond or lake) where it can utilize the consistent temperature and outstanding heat transfer characteristics of the water.

   We carry 1.5 Ton to 5.5 Ton, Closed Loop and Open Loop Systems.
   (please call 800-360-1569 for prices!!)

Satisfied Geothermal Customer

Ed from Farmington, ME wrote:

Just wanted to let you know that the filter rack worked perfectly. My geothermal system is heating my house and the temperature last night was below 0 degrees. My house is over 3000 sq ft.and compared with oil I save at least $450 even though my electric bill for the month of December was $150 over what I paid last year, and it is less than the cost of heating with wood without all the mess and work. Needless to say I am very happy with my system. At some point, I will need to add some way to heat hot water (we are still using the old oil boiler until the tank is empty)  and a small propane furnace to help the geothermal on the coldest days. I am thinking of and on demand hot water system but I would be interested in any suggestions that you might have.
Thanks for sticking with me after the sale. 
Ed