Geothermal Heating & Cooling Basics

Geothermal Heating capitalizes on the fact that temperatures in the earth remain fairly constant when you dig just a few feet below the surface.  In Boise, ID and surrounding Treasure Valley Communities, the temperature below the surface stays relatively the same.  This is because the ground absorbs 47% of the sun’s energy.

Geothermal HVAC systems use the warmth of the earth to essentially provide “free” energy.  They don’t burn fossil fuels; instead they simply transfer heat from the earth, to your home, and back out.  Because these pumps harness the available energy from the earth, they can save you anywhere from 30–70 percent on your bill over the next five to ten years!  The exact numbers can’t be quantified, but you can expect significant savings over a period of time and can recoup the cost of installation in as little as 5 years.  

Anatomy of a Geothermal System

Geothermal HVAC systems use a series of equipment and piping to transfer the earth’s energy to and from your house.  There are 3 parts:

• Ground heat exchanger
• Heat pump unit
• Air delivery system

The exchanger is the series of pipes that are called the loop.  This loop of pipes is buried in the ground either vertically or horizontally depending on the geography of the region.  A fluid (usually water mixed with environmentally friendly antifreeze) is circulated through the pipes to absorb and dispel the heat from the ground.  This heat is then extracted by the heat pump unit and delivered in or out of your living spaces using conventional ductwork air delivery systems.  

Geothermal systems require very little maintenance and are environmentally conscious.  These systems use the least amount of electricity, reduce air and water pollution, and produce the fewest emissions.  They are the safest for the environment, and for you at home as well.  They also provide the most stable comfort level, with more efficient humidity control and less noise.

Your old heating and cooling system can be updated to accommodate a geothermal heat pump! We utilize your existing system by removing your old furnace or air conditioner and attaching a heat pump.  For new construction we will install the heat pump in the most appropriate location and connect it to the duct work from there.