The GeoThermal Program - Give your home the power of the earth...

What is GeoThermal energy?

GeoThermal heating/cooling systems can be summed up in one phrase... it's the movement of heat from one place to another for storage and later use. The systems starts with an underground loop providing a ground source heat pump the ability to exchange heat, by either drawing heat from the ground when in heating mode, or moving heat from a home to the ground when in cooling mode. During the summer months, the system moves heat from the home into the earth for storage. In the winter months, the stored heat is then used to warm your home.

What are the benefits of a GeoThermal Heating and Cooling System?

• it pays for itself
• no need for outdoor equipment
• it's earth friendly
• provides free hot water
• it's easy to maintain
• lasts longer than traditional systems
• works in almost any climate

Types of GeoThermal Systems

There are many options and configurations for the GeoThermal heating/cooling systems. Click on a specific type below to learn more about the unique systems that we can design OR contact us to learn more!

• The Ground Water System

Ground Water Systems (Open Loop) have been utilizing the earth's natural heat source/heat sink ability for over 40 years. Ground Water Systems draw water from an aquifer via a supply well, pass through the Geothermal heat pump's heat exchanger where heat is exchanged with the refrigerant inside your unit, then returned to the aquifer via a return well or simply disposed of per local code. Ground water temperatures remain very constant (usually within a degree) throughout the year despite wide variations in outside air temperature, therefore your unit will maintain it's super high efficiency no matter how hot or cold it is outside. Ground Water Systems are ideally suited for homes that have existing water wells available or a good potential source for well water. When ground water is available this system usually has the lowest installed cost.

• The Vertical System

Vertical Systems (Closed Loop) utilize the natural thermal properties of the earth in a similar manner to the Ground Water Systems. However, instead of pumping water out of a well then back into the ground, you simply circulate water or an antifreeze solution through a closed loop network of plastic pipe that is inserted into vertical bore holes. These vertical bore holes are typically drilled to a depth of 100 to 300 feet per ton of air conditioning or heating. The Vertical System is ideally suited for applications when available land area is limited. Similar to the Ground Water System, the Vertical System avoids wide temperature swings of the outside air to deliver constant high efficiency and comfort no matter where you live.

• The Horizontal System

Horizontal Systems (Closed Loop) also utilize the Earth's plentiful and renewable thermal characteristics. Like the Vertical Systems, Horizontal Systems circulate water or an antifreeze solution through a closed loop network of sealed and pressurized plastic pipe that is buried in the ground. Instead of inserting the plastic pipe into vertical wells the pipe is laid in horizontal trenches at a typical depth of 4 to 6 feet and at a length of 75 to 400 feet per ton of air conditioning or heating. Recent innovations in horizontal pipe configurations have made this system particularly attractive,in first cost as well as operating efficiency. Typically a little more land area is required to install a Horizontal System. The same energy saving characteristics are enjoyed with the FHP Manufacturing Horizontal System as with the Vertical Systems.

GeoThermal - Pond/Lake System

• The Pond/Lake System

Pond or Lake Systems (Closed Loop) may be the most economical closed loop system to install and has many advantages for producing energy savings. This system utilizes a nearby body of water such as a lake or a pond. As with the Vertical and Horizontal Systems it is a closed loop of sealed and pressurized plastic pipe and water or an antifreeze fluid solution. Instead of inserting the pipe into a vertical well or laying the pipe in a horizontal trench the pipe is submerged into a body of water (pond or lake) where it can utilize the consistent temperature and outstanding heat transfer characteristics of the water. No wells and very little trenching are required cutting installation costs. Once again the Pond or Lake System is not subject to the cruel outside air temperatures that all air-to-air heat pumps are subject to year after year.

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