Geothermal Heating & Cooling Systems

Energy Efficient System with Minimum Expenses

Christian Heating & Air Conditioning has been installing, maintaining, and repairing heat pumps since 1989, and over more than three decades, we have seen many homeowners make the switch as the technologies have improved. Among the latest trends in heat pumps is geothermal heating and cooling, which uses the earth as the medium through which heat energy is transferred. The earth is a great source of heat energy and also has a great capacity for it, and that avoids the limitations associated with air-sourced heat pumps, such as becoming less efficient in very cold temperatures. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save 30-50% on cooling and 40-70% on heating by making the switch. Homeowners can also offset some of the investment through tax credits and rebates, and the team at Christian can help you explore all of those potential savings.

How Does a Geothermal System Work?

A heat pump is similar to an air conditioner in that it transfers heat energy, but it can do this in both directions and thus cool your home in summer and warm it in winter. Geothermal heating and cooling systems transfer that heat energy to and from the ground or a large body of water as opposed to the ambient air, which is still the prevalent approach. Ground installations are far more prevalent since most homeowners do not have a large enough natural body of water on their property.

A geothermal heating and cooling system involve what is called a closed loop. The loop is piping that is buried in the ground or submerged in the body of water. It carries a fluid, such as water or a refrigerant, and that is the medium used to transfer heat energy to and from the earth or water as needed. The fluid used is never toxic, and the loop can be positioned horizontally or vertically, which allows your installers to orient it based on the needs of your landscape. A low-wattage pump is used to circulate the fluid through the loop, which is generally installed several feet below the surface.

While air temperature can vary greatly depending on the season, ground temperatures are very consistent. The earth also has a great capacity for heat energy. In our region, air-sourced heat pumps are often paired with auxiliary furna