How does a geothermal system operate?

As the seasons change, the weather does so with them; this, of course, includes stark variations in outdoor temperature. All the while, though, the earth beneath your feet (well, around four or so feet beneath your feet) maintains a relatively constant temperature. No matter if the grass is shimmering with morning dew in the heat of summer or frosted solid in the dead of winter, the ground beneath it remains at around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A geothermal heat pump system, comprised of the heat pump (located indoors) and the geothermal loop field (buried beneath the ground outside), takes advantage of these ground source temperatures to heat and cool your home. In the winter months, the water solution circulating through the outdoor loop field draws heat from the surrounding terrain and distributes it into the heat pump indoors. To produce heat at a higher temperature, the heat pump compresses the heat brought in from outside, rendering it better suited for heating large homes and buildings. When the demand becomes the opposite – to acclimate your home to comfort your family during the warmer months of the year – the system works in reverse, literally sucking heat from your home and distributing it into the earth outside (which is actually cooler).

What separates a geothermal heat pump from traditional heating and cooling systems?

Well, there are a lot of things, really. First off, a geothermal system, unlike gas, propane, and oil heating systems, does not burn fossil fuels. Instead, it uses renewable energy produced by the sun (and stored in the ground) for heating and cooling purposes. For homeowners, this means two things – efficiency and green living. A ground source heat pump system is three to four times more efficient than a traditional system (including electricity costs to run the indoor system). It also works with the environment, rather than against it. Not to mention, it’s largely maintenance free. If you’ve done your research to find a qualified geothermal contractor, your system’s maintenance will be limited to routine checkups and filter swaps. As far as the outdoor portion goes, a well installed loop field will last a lifetime. Another benefit of a geothermal system is that it both heats and cools your home – one system, year-round service.

What about the steep up front costs of a geothermal heat pump and loop field installation?

Ground source heat pump cost varies from installation to installation. While the up front costs of geothermal are undeniably larger than those of other heating and cooling systems, it is by no means unaffordable. With specific state incentives and a Federal Tax Credit (through 2016), there are numerable options when it comes to financing your geothermal system. Also, it’s a good time to mention that you shouldn’t base your geothermal contractor decision on whose company gives you the lowest quote. Remember, payback figures are based on systems that have been installed correctly. That’s why, in our eyes, one of the critical aspects of the installation is hiring an experienced, qualified contractor. Check out some of the homeowner testimonials on our geothermal testimonials map to read about some of the great experiences families have had with our recommended contractors.

How long is the payback period for a geothermal heating and cooling system?

As the payback period for a geothermal system depends upon the cost of installation, as well as the cost of operation for your old heating and cooling system, it is largely subjective. It’s important to understand that geothermal heating and cooling, if installed in the right home, doesn’t just pay for itself - it puts money back in your pocket. How? Think of it this way. Once the system pays for itself (by reducing your heating and cooling costs significantly), the costs don’t go up; they stay the same. From that point on, the money that you would be putting towards the high costs of your old system is no longer going towards your new system; it’s staying in your bank account. Try our geothermal savings calculator to see geo-targeted ballpark figures specific to your actual home.

Want to learn more?

If you want to learn more about geothermal heating and cooling (or even geothermal power), feel free to browse through the various sections of our site. If you’re thinking of buying, here’s a good place to start!

Who should I go to for Geothermal Maryland?

The best way to find a Maryland Geothermal contractor or dealer is to use the "Find a Dealer" Tab.