Geothermal heating has many benefits. In addition to having a low environmental impact, it also has a low operating cost and is expected to last a long time. When comparing a geothermal versus air-source heat pump, there’s no outdoor equipment to be exposed to the elements. It’s also generally quieter, needs less maintenance, and is not reliant on outside air temperatures.

There is also the option of a dual-source heat pump that uses both geothermal and an air-source heat pump. Using the best of both, this combination is even more efficient than an air-source heat pump but less so than solely geothermal units… though air-source work nearly as well.

Climate, soil conditions, how much land, and varying costs can determine which type of system is right for you. There are four main types: the three closed-loop systems (horizontal, vertical, and pond/lake) and an open-loop system that uses a well or surface body water.

Can a Heat Pump Heat a Whole House?

Yes, they can. Various heat pump installations in New York State have been used anywhere from a single-family home all the way to hotels and 500,000-square-foot office buildings.

How Much Land Do I Need to Install a Ground Source Heat Pump?

It will depend on your configuration and heating needs. The most common horizontal layout uses two pipes – one buried at six feet and the other at four feet or placed side-by-side at five feet in the ground in a two-foot-wide trench. There is also the Slinky method, which helps reduce space requirements.

Vertical systems require less space and upset less of your yard’s landscaping. The holes are drilled about 20 feet apart, connecting at the bottom using a U-bend to form a loop.

How Deep Does a Ground Source Heat Pump Need To Be?

Geothermal heat pumps use closed loops of plastic pipes buried underground. The arrangement of these ground loops can vary based on your needs and location, but a vertical loop can utilize boreholes that range from 150 to 400 feet deep.

How Long Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Last?

While the initial cost of Geothermal Heat Pumps may be somewhat higher for installation, the additional costs tend to be returned within five to 10 years. The indoor system components are generally good for around 24 years while the outdoor parts (the ground loop) can last well past 50 years.

Do Ground Source Heat Pumps Work in Winter?

There’s a reason that people lived in caves in ancient times. Whether it’s the height of summer heat or the depths of winter chill, the temperature several feet underground remains relatively consistent all year round. It depends on your latitude, but ground temperatures can range from 45°F (7°C) to 75°F (21°C). The ground temperature is cooler than above in summer and warmer than above in winter.

Tragar Home Services Are Your Long Island Heat Pump Experts

Geothermal energy is a greener way to heat your home. Talk to Tragar Home Services about whether it’s right for you as well as all of your heating and cooling needs. Our team will evaluate your HVAC systems, perform maintenance, repair your HVAC system when needed, and even work with you on installing a new system if need be. Contact us today and enjoy some piece of mind for you and your family this winter.