Geothermal Energy in Your Home

How does a geothermal heating and cooling system work?
Outdoor temperatures fluctuate with the changing seasons but underground temperatures does not. Four to six feet below the earth's surface, temperatures remain relatively constant year-round. A geothermal system, which typically consists of an indoor unit and a buried earth loop, capitalize on these constant temperatures to provide "free" energy.

In winter, fluid circulating through the system's earth loop absorbs stored heat and carries it indoors. The indoor unit compresses the heat to a higher temperature and distributes it throughout the building. In summer, the system reverses, pulling heat from the building, carrying it through the earth loop and depositing it in the cooler earth.

What makes a geothermal system different from ordinary systems?
Unlike ordinary systems, geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuel to generate heat; they simply transfer heat to and from the earth to provide a more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly method of heating and cooling.
Typically, electric power is used only to operate the unit's fan, compressor and pump. A geothermal system can save you up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water costs.

What are the components of a geothermal system?
The three main parts consist of the heat-pump unit, the liquid heat-exchange medium (open or closed loop), and the air-delivery system (ductwork).

How efficient is a geothermal system?
A geothermal system is three to four times more efficient than the most efficient ordinary system. Where a fossil fuel furnace may be 78-90 percent efficient, a geothermal heat pump is about 400 percent efficient.Because geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuels to make heat, they provide three to four units of energy for every one unit used to power the system.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for temperature control. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Energy, EPA, and Energy Star, have partnered with industry to promote the use of geothermal heat pumps.

Do geothermal systems require maintenance?
Just as your car goes in for routine oil changes to avoid costly repairs, your homes’ heating and cooling system also needs routine maintenance to avoid costly repairs.  Geothermal Systems should be checked twice a year by a professional Heating & Air company.  These maintenance checks help to spot the small problems before they turn into large costly repairs.  Also, they provide you with peace of mind that your equipment will work during the hottest & coldest days of the year, and that your equipment is being properly maintained. To learn more about a SHS Planned Maintenance visit us at SECCOhome.com/pm or call 717-737-8100.

What does geothermal mean for the environment?
A geothermal system works with nature, not against it. They emit no greenhouse gases, which have been linked to global warming, acid rain and other environmental hazards. Many of the products use a performance-enhancing refrigerant that will not harm the earth's ozone layer.