Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the components of a geothermal heat pump system?

A: The three main parts are the heat-pump unit, the liquid beat-exchange medium (open or closed loop), and the air-delivery system (ductwork). The unit's main components arc the compressor, heat exchanger, air coil, blower motor and electrical controls.

Q: Is a geothermal heat pump difficult to install?

A: Most units are easy to install, particularly when they replace another forced-air system. They can be installed in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there is no combustion, thus no need to vent exhaust gases. Ductwork must be installed in homes that don't have an existing air distribution system. The difficulty of installing ductwork will vary and should be assessed by a contractor.

Q: I have ductwork, but will it work with this system?

A: In all probability, yes. Your installing contractor should be able to determine ductwork requirements and any minor modifications if needed.

Q: Do I need to increase the size of my electric service?

A: Geothermal heat pumps don't use large amounts of power so your existing service may be adequate. Generally, a 200-amp service will have enough capacity and smaller amp services may be large enough in some cases. Your electric utility or contractor can determine your service needs.

Q: Can a geothermal heat pump be added to my fossil fuel furnace?

A: Split systems can easily be added to existing furnaces for those wishing to have a "dual fuel" heating system. Dual fuel systems use the heat pump as the main heating source and a fossil fuel supplement in extremely cold weather if additional heat is needed.

Q: Do I need a back-up heat supply?

A: Geothermal systems used in climates where temperatures drop below freezing are generally installed with an auxiliary back-up electric resistance heater. This component is mounted either inside the unit or in the supply duct just outside the unit. The auxiliary heater serves two purposes: To supply back-up heat during cold outdoor temperatures, and to provide emergency heat if the compressor fails. Your geothermal unit will generate the largest majority of your heating needs; the rest of the heat would be supplied by the auxiliary heater. Generally, sizing the unit in a northern climate to provide 100% of the heating does not make sense economically because the added initial cost of the larger unit and earth loop may not be recovered in energy savings over a reasonable period of time.

Q: Can 1 install an earth loop myself?

A: Properly designing and installing an earth loop requires extensive training. In order to obtain optimum system performance, the earth loop size, design and configuration need to be carefully considered. In addition, special pipe, fittings, and tools for heat fusion and system flushing are required.

Q: Will an earth loop affect my lawn or landscape?

A: The actual process of installing the loop will disrupt the surface to some degree. With proper restoration, most loop fields are "invisible" after a couple months. After the initial installation, the loop will have no adverse effect on grass, trees, or shrubs. Nor will roots from trees cause a problem with the pipe.

Q: How long will the loop pipe last?

A: Closed loop systems should be installed using only high-density polyethylene pipe. This pipe does not rust, rot or corrode.

Q: How are the pipe sections of the loop joined?

A: Pipe sections are joined by thermal fusion which involves heating the pipe and fitting, then connecting them to form a joint that's stronger than the original pipe. This technique creates a secure connection to protect from leakage and contamination.

Q: If the loop falls below freezing, will it hurt the system?

A: No. The antifreeze solution in the loop will keep it from freezing down to approximately 10° F. Environmentally-safe Environol antifreeze is recommended.

Q: Can I reclaim heat from my septic system disposal field?

A: 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.

Q: Are there any laws that apply to open loop installations?

A: All or part of the installation may be subject to local ordinances, codes, covenants or licensing requirements. Check with local authorities to determine if any restrictions apply in your area.

Q: Does an open loop system cause environmental damage?

A: No. They are pollution free. The heat pump merely removes or adds heat to the water. No pollutants are added. The only change in the water returned to the environment is a slight increase or decrease in temperature.

Q: How can I discharge the water when using an open loop system?

A: There are a number of ways to dispose of water after it has passed through the heat pump. The open discharge method is the easiest and least expensive. Open discharge simply involves releasing the water into a stream, river, lake, pond, ditch, or drainage title. Obviously, one of these alternatives must be readily available and have the capacity to accept the amount of water used by the heat pump before open discharge is feasible. A second means of water discharge is the return well. A return well is a second well that returns the water to the ground aquifer. A return well must have enough capacity to dispose of the water passed through the heat pump. A new return well should be installed by a qualified well driller. Likewise, a professional should test the capacity of an existing well before it is used as a return.

Q: With an open loop system, what problems can be caused by poor water quality?

A: Poor water quality can cause serious problems in open loop systems. Your water shouJd be tested for hardness, acidity and iron content before a heat pump is installed. Your contractor or equipment manufacturer can tell you what quality of water is acceptable. Mineral deposits can build up inside the heat pump's heat exchanger. Sometimes a periodic cleaning with a mild acid solution is all that's needed to remove the build-up. Where well water does not meet the requirements for an open loop geothermal system, a closed loop would be used.

Do you offer maintenance plans?

A: Yes, we offer a full range of preventative maintenance plans for residential and commercial customers. Visit our maintenance plans page for more details.