Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

Geothermal Heat Pump Diagram

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.

With the addionon of a Desuperheater, GSHPs can turn waste heat to the task of heating hot water. During the summer, when the system is in cooling mode, your hot water is produced free as a byproduct of the thermal process. In winter, with the heating mode, the desuperheater heats a portion of your hot water. Desuperheaters are standard on some units, optional on others. Stand-alone systems that will heat water all year around can also be purchased.

You can access our Online Calculator to get an estimate of what your savings might be.

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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.

Fluid Based Geothermal Systems

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.

Image of Geothermal Open Loop

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.

Image of Geothermal Closed Loop

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 Geothermal Heat Pumps

Image of Earthlinked Heat Pump Loops

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

Image of Geothermal Horizontal Loop

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.

Image of Geothermal Vertical Loop

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.

Image of EarthLinked DX Loops

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.