Geothermal Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) are Electrically powered Heat Pump systems that tap the stored energy of the greatest Solar
Collector in existence - the Earth. These systems use the Earth's relatively constant temperature to provide Heating, Cooling,
and in some systems, Hot Water for Homes and Commercial Buildings
The ground is able to maintain a higher rate of temperature consistency because it absorbs 47% of the Suns energy (heat) as
it hits the Earth's surface. Geothermal systems are able to tap into this free energy with an earth loop. This allows
the system to reach higher efficiencies (300%-600%) during cold weather, compared to 175%-250% for Air-Source Heat
Pumps.
Installation Experience
Our experience ranges from the replacement of existing GSHP's, the installation of new systems in existing homes, to complex systems
incorporating Radiant Floor Heating, Pool Heating, and Potable Hot Water.
Recent Installations Include Systems By:
- WaterFurnace International
- Earthlinked Technologies
- Florida Heat Pump
- ClimateMaster
Tax Credits
In Addition to the Energy Savings, an exciting new Federal Tax Credit is now available for Home
and Commercial Building Owners who install Geothermal Heating and Cooling systems.
The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008
(H.R. 1424). H.R. 1424 offers a one time tax credit of 30% of the total investment for homeowners who install residential ground
loop or ground water geothermal heat pumps. A credit of 10% of the total investment is also available (no maximum) for a commercial
system installation.
Geothermal System Types
Fluid Based
Fluid Based Ground Source Heat Pumps come in two varieties, Open Loop or Closed Loop. In either case, some type of fluid
is circulated through a fluid to refrigerant heat exchanger with a series of pumps.
Open Loop System
In Open Loop Systems water is pulled directly from a well, or a surface body of water, and returned to a discharge well or
other surface discharge. While somewhat more efficient than closed loop systems, open loop GSHP's more potential installation
problems, such as water quality and adequate water volume during drought conditions.
Closed Loop System
In closed Loop Systems, fluid containing anti-freeze is pumped through loops buried in the ground and circulated
through the heat exchanger in the heat pump. Because of strict environmental restrictions, and the fact that Water Tables in the area can vary from year to year, we
recommend Closed-Loop Systems.
Direct Expansion
In Direct Expansion or DX Geothermal Heat Pump Systems the Refrigerant is circulated in pipes buried in the ground, rather than
using a heat transfer fluid, such as water or antifreeze solution in a separate closed loop.
Since DX Systems do not require additional pumps to circulate fluid, and the Copper Heat Exchagers conduct heat better that the
plastic tubing used in fluid based systems, DX Heat Pumps tend to be somewhat more efficient that other systems. In fact, in order
to meet ENERGY STAR minimums DX Systems are required to meet higher efficiency minimums than Closed Loop fluid based systems.
We carry the EarthLinked Brand DX Geothermal Heat Pump System for both Residential and Commercial Space Heating & Cooling,
Water Heating, and Swimming Pool Heating. For more information on EarthLinked products you can
Vist The Earthlinked Website.
For additional information, as well as information and photos of local installations you can visit the website
of Geothermal Options the local Earthlinked Distributor
Geothermal Loop Types
Horizontal Loops
If adequate land surface is available Horizontal Loops may be the most economical to install. Depending on system needs and
space available, pipes are placed in trenches that range in length up to 400 feet.
Vertical Loops
When available land surface is limited Vertical Loops are an ideal choice. Drilling equipment is used to bore small-diameter
holes from 300 feet deep to as much as 600 feet deep. Although usually more expensive to install Vertical Loops do provide
somewhat better performance because of the more constant temperatures at deeper depths.
Direct Expansion Loops
Loops for DX Heat Pumps are usually installed in a pit located close to your Home or Business. The copper Heat Exchangers are
inserted into a series of holes drilled to a depth of 100 feet. After the loops are installed the holes are grouted shut to
maximize heat transfer.
The Heat Exhangers are then brazed into a manifold, tested at high pressure and then piped into the building through a small hole
in the foundation wall.