The Science behind the System: Although temperatures fluctuate on the Earth's surface throughout the course of the year, the Earth actually absorbs about 50% of heat energy from the sun making temperatures below the surface moderate and constant the entire year. A geothermal system uses a water-based solution which loops through your house to harness these constant temperatures to both heat and cool your home. The system utilizes a buried "loop" of pipes that pump heat into your home when it's cold and cool air in when it's hot. Just one piece of equipment in your home can provide both of these functions as well as replacing your hot water heater in some cases. This system can save 30-70% on your monthly utility bills.

Replacing or retrofitting: Installation should be done by trained professionals who are certified in geothermal system installation. Units can replace most any forced-air system, using the same ductwork, and can even be installed in areas where fossil fuel furnaces cannot because the geothermal unit has no combustion and no need to vent exhaust gasses.

The Origins: The original idea for harnessing geothermal energy began in the 1940s. It has continued to improve with new, more durable pipe material and new pump designs making geothermal energy the most efficient heating and cooling system available.

Not Only Cheaper, but Greener: The best part is: The entire system is pollution-free! The pump merely adds or removes heat to the water solution. No pollutants are added, and, in a closed loop, no fluids are dispelled from the system.

Cooling Your Home: The system takes the warm air from your house and cools it using the water solution flowing through the loop. It then disperses the cool air through your traditional duct work. The warm water continues through the loop and into the pipes outside, beneath the ground. By the time it travels back through and into the house, the water is cooled again to the Earth's temperature.
Heating Your Home: When the weather turns cold, a simple flick of your thermostat mode to heat and the same equipment that keeps you cool during the summer months will warm you up in the winter. The water-based solution travels through the buried pipes pulling with it the heat from the ground and pumping it into the unit. The warmer water is then used to heat the air as it is dispersed through your home

Horizontal Loop: The horizontal loop is the most common construction type and is built using trenches approximately 8 feet deep and 400 feet long. As a general rule, 500-600 feet of pipe is needed per ton of system capacity. A 2,000-square-foot home would need a three-ton system, which means 1,500-1,800 feet of pipe. However, after the trenches are dug, placed and buried, your lawn will not suffer any adverse affects due to the pipes.

Vertical Loop: This loop is used when the area around your home is limited. The vertical loop is installed by drilling holes to a depth of between 250-300 feet. U-shaped coils are inserted into the bore holes and sealed to create your loop. Any area near your home with the right soil conditions and enough room will work.