GEOTHERMAL BASICS
What it is
The idea behind geothermal energy is simple. The earth stores a vast reservoir of thermal energy which is constantly replenished by the sun. This resource is 10 times the amount typically required over an entire heating season. Geothermal systems transfer heat from the earth to the home in the winter and from the home back to the earth in the summer. Because heat energy is being moved, and not created, geothermal systems operate at higher efficiencies than ordinary heating and cooling systems.
Geothermal technology has many environmental advantages. Geothermal is net zero technology and a completely sustainable, renewable energy source. It doesn’t use fossil fuels, emits zero carbon monoxide, and helps reduce our carbon footprint. Geothermal systems do not contain any chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the loop solution (which are suspected to be a major cause of ozone depletion), use far less refrigerant than ordinary heat pumps or air conditioners, and are factory-sealed to prevent leaks.
How it works
Geothermal heating
During the heating cycle, a geothermal system circulates water through the earth, or “loops,” to extract heat from the ground. As the system pulls heat from the loop, it distributes it through a conventional duct system as warm air, keeping your home a comfortable 75 degrees in winter. The same heat energy can also be used for a radiant floor system or domestic hot water heating.
Geothermal cooling
In cooling mode, a geothermal system conditions the air in your home by reversing the heating process. Instead of extracting heat from the ground, it is extracted from your home and either moved back into the earth loop or used to preheat the water in your hot water tank. Once the heat is removed from the air, it’s distributed through the duct system in your home.
We install “closed loop” geothermal systems, which circulate a water-based solution through a loop of small-diameter, underground pipes. These systems can be installed horizontally where larger yards or open space is available, vertically in smaller properties, or in a pond. Heat is transferred to and from the home to provide year-round comfort no matter what the outdoor temperature is.
Where it gets its energy
Geothermal gets its energy from two basic sources:
Horizontal Loops
Often used when adequate land surface is available. Depending on system needs and space available, pipes are placed in trenches that range in length from 100 to 400 feet.
Vertical Loops
The ideal choice when available land surface is limited. Drilling equipment is used to bore small-diameter holes from 75 to 300 feet deep.
Choose wisely.
Use our Geothermal Contractor Questionnaire to make sure you hire the right installer for the job.
Stay warm in
the winter
Stay warm in
the winter
Keep cool in
the summer
Keep cool in
the summer
Help protect
the environment
Help protect
the environment
“I wholeheartedly recommend Perfect Temp HVAC especially in the area of geothermal systems. There are many people who install them but many if not most of those businesses are not fully qualified to obtain the results that are achievable with a geothermal system.” -Tom Peterson
Geothermal energy is clean, safe, and endlessly renewable – perfect for your Colorado lifestyle.