Geothermal heating is growing in popularity as individuals are increasingly seeking clean, efficient, and renewable energy options. The process heats your home through transferring energy thatโ€™s been extracted from the earth. Geothermal heating systems are expensive to install, but the payoff in reduced utility bills over time is large. In the video above, Clay Doyle of Geothermal Solutions explains how a geothermal heat pump uses the heat in water pumped from wells to make them much more efficient than standard air source heat pumps. The excess heat generated by geothermal pumps can also be used to provide hot water for the home.

The basics of geothermal heating systems

Geothermal heating systems transfer heat through an underground system of water-filled pipes that run between the house and the ground. Just a few feet under the earthโ€™s surface, the ground maintains a stable temperature between 45ยฐF and 75ยฐF year round. In cool winter months, the piping system brings heat into your home by using thisย temperature-stable underground as a means for energy exchange. In the summer, the piping system extracts warm air from your home and bring it back to the earth.

Rather than creating warmth by burning fuel, a geothermal heating system creates warmth by moving heat from the earth to your house. In addition to heat, some geothermal heat pumps are even capable of supplying your home with hot water.

A significant benefit of using geothermal heat pumps is that the energy source is reliable, consistent, and stable, so you wonโ€™t need to rely on the strength of the sun, wind, or outdoor air temperatures like with some other types of environmentally friendly heating. Indoor components of geothermal heating systems last about 25 years, and the underground piping system can last 50 years or more. This type of heating system is also known to be extremely quietโ€”you wonโ€™t even notice the heat pump is running.

Types of geothermal heating systems

Most geothermal heat pumps fall under four different categories. The first three are considered closed-loop systems.
  1. Horizontalโ€”In a horizontal system, pipes are installed at least six feet below ground. This variety of installation requires a large plot of land, but is less expensive than a vertical system. This is a very common installation type for residential homes.
  2. Verticalโ€”A vertical system is useful when you do not have a huge expanse of terrain to work with. To deploy this system, pipes are installed into holes with a four-inch diameter that are approximately 15 feet apart from one another. The holes extend to a depth of 100โ€“400 feet.
  3. Pond/lakeโ€”This type of system uses heat from water rather than the ground. Coiled pipe is installed at least eight feet deep and water sits atop the piping. When there is a body of water nearby, this is often the most affordable option.
  4. Open loopโ€”Open loop systems are less common. To work, water from a well or body of water is used to transfer heat and the water circulates through the system.

Cost of geothermal heating systems

Geothermal heat pumps can be expensive, with many costing $20,000 or more to install. Pricing depends on location, lot size, soil type, and landscape.

But there is an upsideโ€”the payback on energy savings is huge, especially if you plan on staying in your home for many years, and federal, state, and local tax credits are available to help reduce costs as long as the system meets ENERGY STAR requirements. According to the US Department of Energy, most homeowners will be able to recoup their initial investment within 2โ€“10 years of having the system installed. If you are considering installing one of these, take a look at our full breakdown of the pros and cons of geothermal heat pumps.

Efficiency of geothermal heating systems

ENERGY STAR ranks geothermal as one of the most efficient heating technologiesย available, and theย US Department of Energyย says thatย heat pumps can lower heat-related home energy use by nearly 50%ย compared to electric systems.

Maintenance requirements

Maintenance for geothermal heat pumps is minimal. Expect to do a semi-annual filter change and annual coil cleaning, but beyond these basicย maintenanceย steps, you wonโ€™t be burdened with expensive or time-consuming upkeep if the system has been properly installed.

Installation of geothermal systems

Geothermal heating pumpsย must be installed by a professional. You can find a qualified individual to install your geothermal heating system by searching listings of qualified installers through theย Ground Source Heat Pump Association,ย Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, or by calling your local utility company. The US Department of Energy recommendsย asking potential installers for references regarding geothermal heat pump installationsย completed at least a few years ago and checking these references before making a hire.

Note that heat pump installation can be highly disruptive to your property. Hold off on planting gardens or putting money into your landscaping until installation is complete.

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    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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