How Does Geothermal Work?
The Earth acts as a massive heat sink trapping in and storing the sun’s energy. Just a few feet below the surface, the Earth’s internal temperature stays at 55 to 70 degrees year-round. This constant internal temperature is exactly what geothermal heating and cooling aim to tap into. When cooling your house, heat is extracted and released into the Earth. When looking to warm your house, heat is extracted from the Earth and distributed around your home. This cycle is the basis for all geothermal applications.
Schedule your service with Lake’s Heating and Air Conditioning, or call (330) 644-7811 to speak to our expert technicians about how we can help bring geothermal to your home!
What Is Geothermal Heating and Cooling?
An air conditioner is an HVAC system that uses a refrigeration process to move heat energy. It moves energy from inside the home to the ambient air to provide cooling.
A conventional heat pump is similar but has a reversing valve and other components that let that cycle run in reverse. That allows it to move heat energy inside the home to provide heating during winter. A geothermal heat pump is fundamentally the same. The main difference is that it transfers energy to and from a U-shaped plastic pipe buried underground.
A potential drawback to air-source heat pumps is that there’s limited heat energy in the air during winter. Many heat pumps have a cold-weather threshold at which they’re no longer as efficient. That isn’t a concern with ground-source heat pumps. That’s because heat energy in the ground is much more abundant and consistent, no matter how cold it gets outside.
The key components of a geothermal heating and cooling system include:
- Blower
- Ductwork
- Thermostat
- Ground loop
- Evaporator coil
- Ground Heat exchanger
- Compressor pump
- Drip pan and drain line
Benefits of Geothermal HVAC Systems
- Energy incentives
- Optional zone control
- Lower operating costs
- Smaller carbon footprint
- Long equipment lifespan
- Quiet and safe operation
- Low total cost of ownership
- Fast and robust heating and cooling
- Optional hot water heater integration
Cost-Effective
With the drastic increase in energy efficiency, geothermal owners save monthly on utility expenses which can add up to more in savings than the cost of the system. The loop system is rated for 100 years, and the in-home unit is good for an average of 25 years. This is much longer than a standard furnace and air conditioner life span, meaning less equipment replacement costs.
Multi-Use
Unlike a traditional house with an exterior air conditioning unit, interior air handler or furnace, and a water heater, a geothermal home has one efficient unit to heat and cool. The system can also be set up to supplement water heating, heat driveways, heat swimming pools, and more!
Environmentally Friendly
The United States Environmental Protection Agency recognizes geothermal as the most environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and energy efficient way of heating and cooling. Geothermal can also heat without burning fossil fuels, which means no pollution or gasses are released into the atmosphere.
Safe
Without the need for burning has, geothermal uses no flames, which means no fumes. This eliminates the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning from a furnace malfunction or exhaust blockage. Our geothermal units also have high-efficiency filters built-in, which keep your family breathing healthier.
Comfort
Geothermal units use the newest technology to keep air moving around your house, eliminating hot and cold spots. Specific area zoning is also available for even more control.
Geothermal System Installation
Geothermal installation of energy-efficient HVAC for Akron homes and businesses begins with a load calculation. That calculation factors in the square footage, ceiling heights, and floor plan. It also accounts for aspects like the building envelope and the location. That will provide us with the heating and cooling output you need in tonnage. From there, you can explore models within that size class. Once you’ve made your choices, we’ll plan the installation, including where to bury the loop. We’ll then carry out the installation, which typically takes about three days.
Loop Systems for Geothermal HVAC
The loop system is the foundation for the geothermal heat transfer process. A series of tubes are buried in the ground or a water source on the property. A liquid runs from the interior geothermal unit to these tubes to collect heat or remove heat from the house. The loop system can be configured in various formats to best fit your property’s needs.
Horizontal Loops
Horizontal loops are used when enough land is available. The ground is excavated and refilled, with the tubing buried. An average home would require a quarter of an acre to three-quarters of an acre for this method.
Vertical Loops
Vertical loops are great for places with limited space. A drilling rig will dig roughly three to five holes 15 feet apart to meet a typical home’s needs.
Pond/Lake Loops
If a pond or lake is available, a pond loop can be used instead of burying tubing. An average home will require a half-acre 8-foot deep body of water.
Open Loops
An open-loop may be used when there is an excess of quality well water. The well must have enough water for the home and the geothermal unit.
Geothermal System Repair and Maintenance
Geothermal heating and cooling systems require annual maintenance. We recommend scheduling cooling tune-ups in the spring and heating tune-ups in the fall. Most geothermal heat pump warranties require it. Routine maintenance also lowers operating costs, prevents repair issues, and extends the system’s life.
We even offer a maintenance plan that will lower your costs and make scheduling maintenance easier. Even with regular maintenance, monitor for performance issues throughout the summer and winter. Contact us for diagnostics and repairs at the earliest signs of trouble. A proactive approach will save you money over the life of the system.
Residential Geothermal Services
Geothermal energy-efficient HVAC in Akron is an option for residential properties of all sizes. Our team handles all aspects of planning and implementation, including local code compliance. We provide brand-approved, model-specific geothermal maintenance services. Our team also performs precision repairs. That includes around-the-clock availability for emergency cooling and emergency heating services.
Why Choose Us?
Lake’s is a family-owned and -operated HVAC company serving Summit County and beyond. We’ve been in business for over 50 years and are fully licensed and insured. Our ACCA-accredited company employs NATE-certified, background-checked HVAC technicians.
We stand behind our work with industry-leading product warranties, our own labor warranties, and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. We provide free estimates, often have specials available, including veteran discounts, and provide financing for installations on approved credit.
Lake’s Heating & Air Conditioning is the premier choice for geothermal in Akron, OH. Call (330) 644-7811 today to book an on-site consultation or to schedule your appointment online.
