How It Works Page

How It Works

Naturally, the Earth acts as an enormous energy storage device that is able to absorb about 50% of the suns energy. This is 500 times more energy than mankind needs every year and the Earth is able to store it in the form of clean, renewable energy. As a result, at a level below the ground, the Earths temperature remains relatively constant throughout the entire year. Geothermal technology uses a geothermal heat-pump to utilize the difference between the temperature below the ground, about 6 feet deep, and the temperature above the ground, to provide an efficient and environmentally friendly method for heating and cooling homes and commercial buildings, and even to help provide free hot water.

No matter what climate you live in, the temperature throughout the year varies. For some climates that means blazing summers that cool to frigid winters. What many people don't realize is that the temperature below ground (regardless of climate or season) stays fairly consistent all year.

Geothermal systems are able to tap into this free energy with an earth loop. This technology is then used to provide your home or office with central heating and cooling.

Heating
During the heating cycle, a geothermal system uses the earth loop to extract heat from the ground. As the system pulls heat from the loop it distributes it through a conventional duct system as warm air. The same heat energy can also be used for a radiant floor system or domestic hot water heating.

Cooling
In the cooling mode, a geothermal system air conditions your home by reversing the heating process. Instead of extracting heat from the ground, it is extracted from your home and either moved back into the earth loop, or used to preheat the water in your hot water tank. Once the heat is removed from the air, it is distributed through the duct system in your home.

Four times the efficiency
A geothermal system uses the Earth's thermal properties in conjunction with electricity to provide unprecedented efficiency. For every unit of electricity the system uses, it provides four units of heating energy, giving a geothermal system a 400% efficiency rating on average. These numbers can translate into real savings on your utility bills year-round.

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How long will the loop pipe last?

Closed-loop systems should only be installed using high density polyethylene or polybutylene pipe. Properly installed, these pipes will last for many decades. They are inert to chemicals normally found in soil and have good heat conducting properties. PVC pipe should not be used under any circumstances.

How are the pipe sections of the loop joined?

The only acceptable method to connect pipe sections is by thermal fusion. Pipe connections are heated and fused together to form a joint stronger than the original pipe. Mechanical joining of pipe for an earth loop is never an accepted practice. The use of barbed fittings, clamps, and glue joints is certain to result in loop failure due to leaks.

Can I reclaim heat from my septic system disposal field?

No. An earth loop will reach temperatures below freezing during extreme conditions and may freeze your septic system. Such usage is banned in many areas.

If a home has ceiling cable heat or baseboard heat, do air ducts need to be installed?

Not always. It may be desirable to install geothermal heat pump room units. For some small homes, one room unit would provide most of the heating and cooling needs. Ceiling cable or baseboard units could then be used for supplemental heat.

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