Geothermal Installation and Repair in Gaithersburg
Increasingly, homeowners are looking for solutions to their energy needs that cost less and are environmentally friendly. One such alternative to fossil fuel powered heating is geothermal. Geothermal heating and cooling uses the heat absorbed by the ground each day to heat and cool your home and is effective in almost all climates with the right installation.
If you are interested in learning more about geothermal installation, maintenance or repair, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. One of our geothermal specialists will discuss your options with you and get started on the installation process.
How Geothermal Works
A geothermal heating and cooling system is actually quite simple in execution. A series of pipes are installed under the ground on your property. Water is circulated through these pipes to absorb heat from the ground, usually between four and six feet deep. At this depth, the earth is a steady 68–72 degrees on most days, so absorption of heat occurs relatively easily.
That heated water is then returned to an outdoor condenser heat pump which transfers the heat from the water to refrigerant which expands and heats air in your home. What makes the geothermal process so cost effective is that it can be performed in reverse in the summer to cool your home.
While the heat pump and air handler use electricity to transfer heat and circulate air, the actual heat energy is extracted from an ample supply in the ground. This means no fuel is burned to heat your home and even in the summer, less energy is consumed for cooling.
Installation of Geothermal for Your Home
The geothermal installation process requires some form of digging to install the pipes on your property. For the most part, horizontal installations done at 4–6 feet of depth can be used, but in some cases, if the elevation is high or average temperatures are exceptionally low, you may require a vertical installation. Vertical installations require more substantial digging and are therefore more costly up front.
However, because a vertical installation goes much deeper, it ensures you never need to worry about it being too cold outside. With a horizontal system, a long stretch of cold weather can freeze the ground even as deep as four feet and can make it impossible to heat your home with a geothermal system. For such instances, you’ll need a fuel–based backup to provide heat.
If you are ready to learn more about geothermal heating and cooling for your home, call Tuckers. Our geothermal installation, maintenance and repair services are designed to match the needs of any homeowners in the greater Gaithersburg area and can start saving you money soon.
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