How Geothermal Works

What Is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy is energy that comes from the soil and rock of the Earth. In fact, 50% of the sun's energy is absorbed into the earth. A Geothermal Heating and Cooling system is utilizing the constant temperature (10 – 12 °C) starting at 5 feet below the ground.  By circulating water through pipes buried in the ground, the water in the pipes becomes the same temperature as the surrounding earth. A heat-pump compressor inside your building, concentrates the heat in the fluid and uses a heat exchanger to transfer hot or cold air throughout the building.

To simplify: In winter, the ground is warmer than the air, and in summer it is cooler.

Our Geothermal systems are by far the greenest, cleanest way to heat and cool a building. Geothermal, offers the lowest energy consumption, no greenhouse gas emissions, and lowest operating cost of any available technology for heating and air conditioning every type of building.

Environmental Savings
Installing a Geothermal system in a typical home is the environmental equivalent of planting 750 trees—or taking two cars off the road. That's because our systems don't burn any carbon dioxide emitting fossil fuels, which is associated with global warming.

The secret of a Geothermal system's clean, efficient operation is the earth's ability to store heat. In fact, 50% of the sun's energy that reaches our planet is absorbed into the earth. That's 500 times more energy than all of humanity would need in a year! And it's an unlimited source of energy.

Operating Cost Savings
For each kilowatt of electricity used to run the heat pump, three to four kilowatts of free heat are delivered to the house, giving a geothermal system an average of 400 percent efficiency rating. These numbers translate into significant savings on your utility bills year after year.

Reduce your dependence on fossil fuels as they constantly climb higher in price.

Lower Maintenance Costs
Geothermal systems require very little maintenance, needing only regular filter changes (just like a furnace) and periodic checks. Since the loop is buried underground very little stress is placed on it, making it maintenance-free.

How Geothermal Works - Types of Loops

Ground Power Systems is able to determine the best type of earth
loop to use in any situation. The type of loop used is primarily based on available land space.

Vertical Loop Vertical loops are used when space is limited. Holes are bored using a drilling rig, and a pair of pipes,with special u-bend fittings on the ends, is inserted into the holes. A typical home requires three to five bores with about a 10-foot separation between the holes.

Horizontal Loop Horizontal loops are used where adequate land is available, horizontal loops involve one or more trenches that are dug using a backhoe or chain trencher. Polyethylene pipes are inserted, and the trenches are backfilled. A typical home requires 1/4to 3/4 of an acre for the trenches.

Pond Loop If an adequately sized body of water is close to your home, a pond loop can be installed. A series of closed loops can be coiled and sunk to the bottom of a nearby pond. A 1/2-acre, 8-foot-deep pond is usually sufficient for the average home.

Open Loop An open loop is used where there is an abundant supply of quality well water. The well must have enough capacity to provide adequate flow for both domestic use and the Geothermal Heat Pump unit.