About Geothermal

Geothermal HVAC systems are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. Instead of using outside air, these systems use the stable temperature found underground to heat and cool a building. A series of underground pipes, often called a ground loop, circulates a fluid that absorbs heat from the earth during the winter and transfers heat back into the ground during the summer. Because the earth’s temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, geothermal systems can provide reliable and efficient climate control.

One of the biggest advantages of geothermal HVAC systems is their energy efficiency and environmental benefits. These systems can reduce energy consumption significantly compared to conventional furnaces and air conditioners. Since geothermal systems rely on renewable energy stored in the ground, they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and can lower utility costs for homeowners and businesses. Additionally, geothermal systems often have longer lifespans than traditional HVAC equipment, making them a long-term investment in both comfort and sustainability.

Proper installation and system design are critical to the performance of geothermal systems. This is where Advanced Service Company LLC can play an important role. Their HVAC professionals can evaluate a property, determine the best type of ground loop system, and ensure the geothermal unit is installed correctly. With the right expertise and equipment, they can design a system that maximizes energy efficiency while providing consistent heating and cooling throughout the building.

In addition to installation, Advanced Service Company LLC can also provide maintenance and service for geothermal HVAC systems. Routine maintenance such as checking loop pressure, inspecting heat pump components, and ensuring proper airflow helps keep the system operating efficiently. If issues arise, trained technicians can diagnose and repair the system to restore performance quickly. With professional installation and ongoing service, geothermal HVAC systems can deliver dependable comfort and energy savings for many years.

A Geothermal Units efficiency depends on the temperature of the outside ambient air. A Geothermal Units can absorb heat from the outside ambient air down to a temperature of absolute zero, -460 degrees Fahrenheit. Geothermal Units are really efficient based on the fact that the Heat Pump uses the mechanical refrigeration system to absorb warmth and coldness from the ground or a pond. Electric resistive heaters use a vast amount of electricity compared to a Geothermal Unit in order to heat a home. Gas Units are efficient but the recent rise of gas and fuel prices make these units much more expensive to operate than a Geothermal Unit.

A Note About Efficiencies: When you're getting ready to replace an older heating or cooling system, it's very important for you to get a Load Calculation done by your dealer/contractor. The greater the difference between the efficiency of your old system to the new system, the more likelihood that the dealer will recommend a smaller sized unit. This should not cause alarm, as the dealer, by running a Load Calculation, will be able to accurately size the system to the load in your home. It can be quite detrimental to equipment if the units are too large for the load in your home - they can start to "short cycle" (they run often but for very short periods of time, because they are pumping out too much heat/cooling and reach the thermostat's setting too quickly), which can shorten the life of the unit dramatically.

The Geothermal Unit operates normally in Cooling Mode as a normal air-conditioner. The Heat Pump uses the indoor coil as an evaporator and the outdoor coil as a condenser in the Cooling Mode. The reversing valve is energized or de-energized based on the manufacturers specification to direct the flow of refrigerant to the appropriate coils.

The Geothermal Unit operates in a reverse cycle in the Heating Mode. The Heat Pump uses the indoor coil as an condenser and the outdoor coil as an evaporator in the Heating Mode. The reversing valve is energized or de-energized based on the manufacturers specification to direct the flow of refrigerant to the appropriate coils. Whenever the outdoor coil, or evaporator section in the Heating Mode, detects ice formed on the coil, blockage of air through the coil, or senses a temperature usually around 42 degrees Fahrenheit or below - the Heat Pump will switch into Defrost Mode every 30, 60, or 90 minutes based on the settings on the Defrost Board. In the Defrost Mode - the Geothermal Unit will reverse cycle which will allow hot gas to enter the outdoor coil and defrost the coil. This will also make the indoor coil become cold and in turn to offset this temperature - the electric heat strips or auxiliary heat will come on. Also, the outdoor fan motor will stop during the Defrost Mode.

Geothermal systems can utilize many different types of loops. They are defined as closed-loop or open-loop. Closed loops are loops that circulate water in closed and pressurized piping. These loops can be laid horizontally or vertically. These loops can also exist in ponds or other water sources. Open loop systems are loops that circulate water in open and nonpressurized piping. The most utilized technique of open loop systems is a loop that pumps from and back into a well. Both systems utilize water pump flow centers, but each one respectively are made differently than the other.

The following are pictures of different style loops: