Geothermal Cooling and Heating in Fenton, MI

How Does Geothermal Cooling and Heating Work?

Geothermal heating and cooling systems certainly are not as ubiquitous as central air conditioners or furnaces. As such, we get this question pretty frequently. In concept, a geothermal system operates fairly simply.

While air–source heat pumps exchange heat with the air outside, a geothermal system uses a ground loop in order to facilitate the exchange of heat with the ground. This loop contains an antifreeze solution that is pumped through the system, and which exchanges heat directly the system’s heat pump. In the summer, when you are cooling your home, the heat pump transfers heat from the air inside to this solution, and that heat is sunk into the ground.

In the winter, that solution absorbs heat from the ground, transfers it to the refrigerant in the heat pump, and that refrigerant is then compressed before being condensed in the indoor coil. That allows the heat from the ground to be used in order to heat the air in the house.

Types of Geothermal Loops

When installing a geothermal system, there is a lot to consider. The type of ground loop that your system will use is one of the biggest choices to make. Typically, homeowners will opt for a horizontal loop. Trenches will be dug on your property, with the loop installed within those trenches.

In many industrial applications, vertical loops are more popular. This is due to the fact that there is often not enough property around to accommodate the installation of a horizontal loop. Deep holes are drilled, and pipes are installed into those holes and connected at the bottom with a U–bend, forming the loop.

A pond/lake loop is a great option to consider, and is often the most affordable option. As the name suggests, though, an adequate water source on the property is necessary. If one exists, then the coil can simply be placed in the water, at least 8 feet under the surface so that freezing is not an issue.

These three loop systems are all closed loops. There is, however, an open loop option that uses well or surface body water itself as the heat exchange fluid. Once the cycle is complete, the water returns to the ground through a well or simply via surface discharge. It is important to ensure that all local codes and regulations regarding groundwater discharge are satisfied if you choose this type of ground loop.

Let Us Install and Service Your Geothermal Heating and Cooling System

When properly installed and routine tuned–up and expertly repaired, a geothermal system in Fenton, MI can benefit you in many ways.

• Great efficiency. Using existing heat from the ground to warm your home cuts down on energy consumption, while sinking heat into the relatively cool ground is more efficient than forcing it into already–hot air.
• Great Reliability. Geothermal systems are among the longest lasting systems on the market. The ground loop will generally have a lifespan of about 50 years!
• Great Performance. An air–source heat pump may struggle to heat your home effectively on extremely cold days, forcing it to use less efficient auxiliary heating elements at times. Because the temperature beneath the ground is fairly constant, you can expect a consistent performance from a geothermal system.

With our focus on the proper completion of all necessary geothermal heat pump services, First Choice Heating & Cooling ensures that our clients get the best their systems have to offer.