In addition to the loop fields installed underground, a Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump is required inside the facility to exchange the heat between the water in the system and the indoor air. Despite the name, a heat pump is able to both heat and cool your home. The system takes advantage of the relatively constant underground temperature, drawing heat from the ground in the winter, and using the ground to absorb heat from inside a building during the summer.
As an added benefit, your Ground Source Heat Pump may be be able to save you money on water heating costs as well. Adding a desuperheater to your system, allows your heat pump to dissipate some heat into the water in a standard water heater. This benefit is available whenever your system is running, regardless of whether it's heating or cooling.
The most common type of piping is high-density polyethylene. It's favored due to its flexibility and longevity... an expected useful life of around 200 years.
For the average Horizontal Loop residential installation, 220 feet of piping is required for every ton of heating and cooling capacity needed. A typical 2500 square-foot home would likely require a 3 ton unit, so around 660 feet of pipe. For Vertical Loop systems, roughly 300 feet of piping per ton is required.
The expected life for most geothermal heat pumps is around 30 years. They have fewer mechanical parts than traditional furnaces or air conditioners, which means they're more reliable and quiter when operating.
It may, but there are a variety of factors that can affect this, such as the underground soil temperature in your area, seasonal temperatures, and how well your structure is insulated.
A recent survey of homeowners who have installed geothermal systems by the Department of Energy found:
99% would recommend one to their family or friends.
95% said it met or exceeded their expectations
