FAQ
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Is Geothermal a new technology ?
Geothermal systems that utilize ground source heat pumps were originally designed as cooling systems in the southern states of the U.S. However, over the last 30 years geothermal heating has proven itself to be just as cost effective and highly efficient as its cooling counterpart in the northeast. Geothermal systems are used widely across the United States and extensively in Europe.
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How does a Geothermal system work?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool building structures. By installing a loop field in the ground, a heat pump located in the basement extracts the heat from the aqueous solution running through the loops. In real basic terms, the heat pump extracts heat from the ground in the winter and cold from the ground in the summer. Geothermal heat pumps are used in small 1200 square foot homes to the largest buildings in the world.
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Can I use the same system to heat and cool my house?
Absolutely! a single geothermal heat pump will do both the heating in the winter and cooling in the summer all out of a single system. There are no external parts outside of the building that can be affected by our climate. Your heat pump will be safe and sound in your basement.
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Can my Geothermal system also heat my domestic hot water(DWH)?
YES! Your Geothermal heat pump can provide your home or office with domestic hot water. There are two approaches for providing hot water from your Geothermal system. One is to utilize a Desuperheater in the existing heat pump that provides the home heating and cooling. The Desuperheaters purpose is to transfer any additional heat to your electric hot water tank. The second method requires an additional heat pump for the sole purpose of providing hot water.
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What is the difference between an open loop system and a closed loop system?
The difference between an open loop system and closed loop system begins with containment. Open loop systems utilize a traditional water well and draw water from the earth at a specific number of gallons per minute, based on the size requirements of the geothermal heat pump system. Open loop systems were popular at one time because they were perceived to be easier to install. As technology advances so has the concern over the environmental impact the side effects of an uncontained system have on aquifers and surface ground discharge that occurs in winter. A closed loop system is contained and is not open to aquifers. This is accomplished by digging a bore hole, placing a U-bend pipe straight down in the hole, then sealing the pipe in place with grout creating a barrier between the pipe and the earth.
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What is the maintenance and upkeep of a geothermal system?
There are two parts to your Geothermal system the inside portion and the outside portion. The inside portion consist of the heatpump and its associated parts you could compare it to your current boiler. The inside is covered by a conditional warranty for ten years. The outside portion consist of your bore holes, and loop field these currently are covered by a 50 year manufacturer’s warranty. If you think you may live beyond 100 you should know that there are currently closed systems that have been functional for 200 years in the U.S. To make sure your system is running efficiently, change your filter on a yearly basis.
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What size geothermal system will I need for my home?
The size of your geothermal system is directly proportional to the size of your building. We calculate your homes heating and cooling needs and then we can accurately decide the size of the exterior and interior pieces.
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Will a geothermal system cost more than a conventional system?
Yes and no. There are two parts to your system the inside portion and the outside portion of your home. The inside portion can be compared to a traditional system where the outside portion of your system involves permanently eliminating the need for oil or propane delivery. The cost of the systems vary based on a number of variables: the size of your home, the type of insulation, number of windows, height of ceilings, lot placement in relation to the sun, and number of fireplaces. For more information please contact an American Ecothermal representative for more information at 603-319-1802
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How long will my geothermal system take to pay off?
Because every home is unique in its design, and heating-cooling requirements please contact an American EcoThermal representative for an accurate cost analysis.
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Will I need a backup heat source?
No, your Geothermal system will be designed by our engineers to ensure accurate heating and cooling needs.
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What part of the job does American EcoThermal do?
American EcoThermal is your one stop shop for geothermal solutions. Our engineers will determine your heat load calculations, design the system, then our field division will drill the bore holes and loop field followed by our certified installers connecting the heat pump to the loop field.