GEOTHERMAL HEATING SOLUTIONS
FOR PACE, PENSACOLA, CRESTVIEW, BAKER, NICEVILLE, FL & BEYOND

A geothermal system is an electrical-powered home comfort system that uses the Earth’s stored energy to heat or cool your residential or commercial space.

A geothermal system relies on principles that are similar to a normal heat pump. The system moves heat from one place to another, from the Earth into your home in the winter and from your home back to the Earth in the summer.

The Earth has the ability to absorb and retain heat, so in the winter, heat is extracted from it using a water or antifreeze solution, while in the summer, heat is sent back to the Earth through the same water or antifreeze solution. The geothermal system’s purpose is simply reversed based on the climate and the desired effect of heating or cooling.

The same basic indoor thermostat we’ve used for years determines the amount of heating or cooling.

Open loop and closed loop are the two basic methods of moving the water or antifreeze solutions.

Closed loop means there is one continuous loop of special material used to transfer the water or antifreeze solution. The solution is re-circulated from the geothermal down into the Earth and back to the geothermal in a pressurized pipe.

The location of the loop depends on the amount of space available on your property. If you have a lot of land, the loops can be placed horizontally, or if the amount of land is limited, it can be placed vertically. A pond or lake can even be used in some situations.

There isn’t a “best” loop configuration for every geothermal system. Some vertical loops are great where drilling is easy and inexpensive, whereas some rockier areas may be better suited for horizontal looping.

The amount of piping needed for the loops depends on the particular areas you are putting the geothermal system in. A horizontal loop typically needs 400-500 feet of piping per ton and the pipe needs to be buried in trenches normally 4-6 feet deep. The vertical loop typically takes 150-250 feet of piping per ton and the loop is placed in the hole with a U-Bend to allow the water to circulate. Speak with your mechanical contractor to learn which looping is right for you.

Currently, polyethylene is the most widely used material for looping, but many different materials have been used in the past with different degrees of success.

The loops are connected by heat fusion. Most fusion is done around 510°F using special tools and irons just for geothermal piping. Loop failure is certain if heat fusion isn’t used and barbs, screw fittings, clamps, and glued joints should never be used.

The loops shouldn’t be visible and will not affect your lawn long-term. The initial installation of the loops will affect your lawn but will not be visible once the grass has grown back.

The mechanical contractor you’re working with should be able to properly prepare your geothermal system for freezing conditions. Antifreeze is also for climates that need freeze protection.

It’s not recommended that an individual performs loop installation. Heat fusion is critical for a long life expectancy of the geothermal system, and most manufacturers require schooling on proper heat fusion and Earth-to-loop contact. Poor installation can result in unsatisfactory performance and possible shortened equipment life, and the money saved (if any) will only be overshadowed by an uncomfortable home, higher utility bills, and more maintenance.

50 to 55 years is the standard warranty on the loop if the geothermal system is installed by a mechanical contractor.

Normally, ¾” for the actual loop itself and 1 ¼” pipe going from the system to the loop field.

¾” pipe takes .028 gallons of water per foot, so an average three-ton loop would take approximately 40 gallons.

Temperatures range from the 40s in the northern states to the upper 90s in the southern states.

Cost is the main drawback to closed-loop systems, as drilling can be an expensive project.

Open-loop geothermal systems have been used for years, but many areas no longer allow open-loop geothermal systems because they are bad for the environment since they may deplete water supplies. However, open loops are actually a great source of heat transfer since groundwater stays relatively the same temperature all year round.

There are a couple of main drawbacks to open-loop systems, including a large amount of wasted water and possible mineral deposits, which can ruin your geothermal system causing major repair bills.

The difficulty of installation varies from home to home, but new construction is the easiest as long as there is coordination between the homeowner, the builder, and the mechanical contractor. The only real drawback to installing geothermal equipment is the limited amount of space.

One of the advantages of the geothermal system is the lack of an outside unit. Many people like that their system doesn’t affect the appeal of their landscape and that the average life expectancy is 20-25 years since the geothermal system doesn’t have to deal with exterior temperatures.

A well-built and properly installed geothermal system will give you years of quiet operation.

Yes, the system makes hot water and can reduce your power consumption for hot water up to 60%, depending on the number of people using hot water in your residence. Geothermal systems also become more efficient when producing hot water.

No, but you can add a split geothermal system to a gas furnace. However, this isn’t normally performed because of the additional costs and lack of any real savings on utility consumption.

Usually, yes but your ductwork should be checked to verify that there isn’t any leakage, and the proper sizing is used. You should consider changing the duct system on any HVAC system if there are a lot of leakages or you are sizing up your system.

That amount of supplemental heat needed depends on your heat loss calculation, which your mechanical contractor should be able to provide for you.

Most geothermal systems are at least three times more efficient than fossil fuel systems.

You can count on your geothermal system to give the highest possible comfort for the least amount of operating cost.

Costs vary from region to region and depend on the loops you use. When thinking about costs, it’s also important to consider the lifecycle cost, operating cost, availability of resources, and maintenance costs.

No backup heat is typically required. In fact, according to our records, we haven’t installed auxiliary backup heating in a geothermal system since August 1999. There really isn’t a need for backup heat in a geothermal system since there isn’t a defrost cycle and outside temperatures do not impact geothermal systems as they do air-source heat pumps. (Added 10-10-02.)

Hot water is generated throughout the entire year, but only 100% of your domestic hot water will be generated 4 to 8 months out of the year. (Added 10-10-02 in regard to two people residing in the home.)

You should ask for referrals. Don’t be reluctant to request information on where the mechanical contractor is basing the size and projected operational cost. You should also ask the contractor for their qualifications and how long they have been in the business of installing geothermal systems.

Look for the best contractor first, as even the best home comfort systems would leave you unsatisfied if it’s installed incorrectly. Expect to pay more and expect to get more.