How does a TerraSource Geothermal System work?

Geothermal systems use the earth’s constant temperature to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. This is accomplished through a heat exchange system that circulates fluid through a series of pipes, or “loops” which are installed below the surface of the ground. The fluid moves from the home through the loops into the ground where it is either warmed in the winter or cooled in the summer and then re-enters the house into a geothermal heat pump.
To learn more about geothermal heat exchange systems, check out the video and information at this link: https://www.geoexchange.org/geothermal-101/

What are the components of a TerraSource Geothermal System?

A: There are three primary components of a geothermal system:

Ground Heat Exchange System. This is the system of piping and infrastructure that is installed outdoors above and below the ground, called a loop system. A fluid (usually water or a mixture of water and antifreeze) circulates through the pipes to absorb heat from the ground or relinquish heat into the ground.

Ground Source Heat Pump. This is the indoor equipment that provides heating and cooling by transferring heat to and from the ground heat exchanger. The heat pump essentially acts like a furnace in the winter and an air conditioning unit in the warm months.

Indoor Distribution System. This is typically the ductwork that circulates the cold or hot air throughout your home. This system is identical to ductwork on a conventional furnace system.

What is a geothermal heat pump?

A: A geothermal heat pump is the only equipment required in the home that creates both heating and cooling. In the winter, the heat pump removes heat from the ground heat exchanger and pumps it into the indoor air delivery system, moving heat from the ground into the building's interior. In the summer, the process is reversed, and the heat pump moves heat from the indoor air into the ground heat exchanger, effectively removing the heat from indoors to the ground. The heat pump can also be used to supplement your domestic hot water system.

Is there any outside equipment with a TerraSource Geothermal System?

A: No. The outdoor air conditioner (also called the condenser) is not required with a geothermal system and is therefore eliminated with TerraSource’s geothermal service. This frees up the space that the outdoor condenser takes up and also eliminates the annoying noise of the motor and fan.

How noisy is a TerraSource Geothermal System?

A: TerraSource’s geothermal system is very quiet compared to traditional systems – both inside and outdoors. First, there are no noisy outdoor fans and condenser systems. And the only indoor noise comes from the compressor within the ground source heat pump. The forced air fan will be the same that is traditionally used to distribute the hot or cold air.

How much does a TerraSource Geothermal System cost?

A: The best part about TerraSource’s Geothermal System is that there is no upfront cost! You will receive a monthly bill for your heating and cooling. When compared to traditional fossil fuel or all electric heating and cooling system, your monthly cost will be comparable or even save you money. And TerraSource “locks-in” your cost for heating and cooling, which protects you from future price increases in fuel and energy costs. Additionally, geothermal systems have less equipment and this equipment has a much longer life than traditional systems, which will save you from expensive replacement and repair costs in the future.

Does a TerraSource Geothermal System create electricity - like solar?

A: No, geothermal systems do not create power. The TerraSource Geothermal System simply uses a heat exchange technology that makes heating and cooling much more efficient, which results in less energy required.

What are the environmental benefits of using a geothermal system?

A: Since a geothermal heat pump system does NOT burn fossil fuel to produce heat, it generates far less greenhouse gas emission than a conventional furnace, and completely eliminates a potential source of poisonous carbon monoxide within the home or building. And because a geothermal system uses the natural thermal properties of the ground temperature, it is much more efficient method of heating and cooling, requiring less total energy.

Does a TerraSource Geothermal System burn fossil fuel?

A: No, a geothermal heating and cooling system does not require any fossil fuel burning. It only requires electricity and therefore significantly reduces the carbon footprint as well as the amount of fuel consumed and burned within the home, creating a safer and healthier indoor environment.

Does it take more electricity to run a geothermal system than a traditional heating and cooling system?

A: In the summer cooling mode, a geothermal system uses far less electricity than traditional air conditioning systems. For heating, geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuels to create heat, however they do have a compressor and circulation pump required to transfer heat from the ground heat exchanger which use electricity. Geothermal systems therefore replace the use of fossil fuels with electricity.

How long does a geothermal system last?

A: Geothermal Ground Loops are typically guaranteed to last for 50 years and are expected to last even longer. The geothermal heat pump in the home typically lasts for around 25 years before needing to be replaced.

How am I charged for TerraSource’s geothermal heating and cooling service?

A: Users will receive a monthly bill for their geothermal heating and cooling service, just like any other utility bill.

What equipment is the home owner or building owner responsible for?

A: Just like a typical heating and cooling system, the homeowner is responsible for all of the equipment within the home or building. This includes the geothermal heat pump and the heating and cooling distribution system, such as a ductwork.

How often do I need to service my geothermal heat pump and who will provide service for this equipment?

A: Like other types of heating and cooling equipment, trained service technicians are available to provide servicing to your indoor equipment when necessary. Air filters are generally replaced every 3 to 6 months while heat pumps require annual service. Geothermal heat pumps also come with a warranty which is typically 5 to 10 years.

Who owns and maintains the outdoor components of the TerraSource Geothermal infrastructure?

A: TerraSource is a geothermal utility company that owns and maintains all of the outdoor infrastructure and equipment.

How many homes in the North America use geothermal heating & cooling?

A: As of today, there are well over 1,000,000 geothermal heat pumps installed in the North America, with over 100,000 new residential heat pumps being installed annually.

Can a GSHP System heat water for my home?

A: A geothermal heat pump can be used to supplement domestic hot water heating. Please consult TerraSource or your local HVAC contractor to discuss options.

Can geothermal be used for commercial, industrial, or apartment requirements?

A: Yes, geothermal heat exchange is a highly efficient technology for heating and cooling in all building environments – single family homes, office, industrial, retail and multi-family. Over the last 30 years, TerraSource and its parent company, Geotility, have installed geothermal systems in every type of building.