What is a Geothermal Heat Pump made of?

A geothermal heat pump consists of two distinct systems: the heat pump and the distribution system.

• Geothermal Heat Pump: The heat pump includes the system’s compressor, heat exchangers, and other key system mechanics. These components help move fluid through the ground loop to exchange heat between your indoor air and the ground or water source to either heat or cool it before it’s sent back to the distribution system.

• Distribution System: This system consists of the components that distribute conditioned or heated air back into your home. The distribution system can be a forced air or water-to-water design. Each has a different operational style with the same function – heating and cooling your indoor spaces.

How Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Work?

Geothermal heat pumps are dual heating and cooling systems, meaning they can provide both heat and air conditioning so you only have to rely on one HVAC system for year-round comfort.

However, these heat pumps are nothing like traditional heat pumps or other HVAC equipment, such as a furnace, boiler, AC unit, or ductless system. These use electricity or gas to operate whereas a geothermal system uses the ground as a heat source. 

First, a ground loop is installed underground somewhere on your property. In heating mode, fluid is run through the ground loop and heated by the Earth. It then moves through the heat exchanger where it becomes hot air. The distribution system carries this air into your home either through an air handler and ductwork or an intricate system of pipes.

In cooling mode, the process changes. The heat pump starts by absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it into the ground loop where it is cooled by the fluid made cold by the Earth. It is then released back through the distribution system.

The fluid can be both cooled and heated by the Earth due to the time of year. While outdoor temperatures drop in the winter and rise in the summer, the ground’s temperature should remain a consistent 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This means it’s naturally cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, making heating and cooling your home a breeze.

Contact Schebler Heating & Air today for answers to all your burning geothermal questions.

Common Types of Geothermal Heat Pumps

At Schebler Heating & Air, we’ve combined our decades of experience with our knowledge and training on industry-leading techniques to bring you the best geothermal heat pump products and services on the market.

Our skilled technicians can perform geothermal installation for the two main types of heat pumps:

Closed-Loop System Heat Pumps

This style of geothermal system uses antifreeze and water in the ground loop system to assist with heating and cooling, rather than relying solely on the Earth’s temperature. Closed-loop systems are the most common type of geothermal heat pumps.

Open-Loop System Heat Pumps

In open-loop systems, the pipe buried in the ground is open so groundwater can be pumped through the system for heating and cooling and then drained back out. While still effective, this geothermal heat pump style is much less common as debris can often flow into the system with the groundwater and cause unexpected operational problems or damage.

Any new HVAC system is an investment, but some are more costly than others. On average, a geothermal heat pump can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $38,000.

The team at Schebler Heating & Air understands that this is a heftier investment than some Quad Cities homeowners can handle on their own, but we know the benefits far outweigh the price tag. Luckily, there are several financing options available to help lessen the burden of geothermal system installation.

There is a federal tax credit for homeowners who make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes that also reduce their carbon footprint. If eligible, you can claim 26 percent of the original geothermal system purchase and installation cost on your federal income taxes as of 2023.

We also offer flexible financing options through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that allow you to make manageable payments in a manner that fits your budget best. Call Schebler to learn more about our finance plans.