Geothermal Heating and
Cooling Contractors

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

The sun bathes the Earth’s surface daily with its energy. A few feet below the surface, the temperature is a constant 50 to 70 degrees, depending where you are. The same goes for ponds, lakes, and wells.

Geothermal HVAC systems pull that energy from the earth or water and heat or cool your home. Some systems might even provide hot water too. They are a great option for homes all around Santa Clara County and Sunnyvale Heating and Air Conditioning can install them for you.

Benefits of a Geothermal HVAC System

– First of all, they are dependable and silent.

– Maintenance is simpler because there are less moving parts.

– The system is safe from the elements because nothing is exposed outdoors.

– The underground temperature is constant throughout the year.

– The system is safer because there is no combustion. That means neither you nor your family risk carbon monoxide poisoning.

– According to the Department of Energy, geothermal heat pumps use 25 to 50% less energy than conventional heating and cooling systems.

How Does a Geothermal HVAC System Work?

The heart of the system is a heat pump. It circulates water or an antifreeze fluid through a series of pipes. These pipes travel either under water or underground. The fluid of choice is propylene glycol, a non-toxic antifreeze approved in most states and in California.

During the winter, this fluid absorbs heat from the ground or water it circulates through. Then, the heat gets compressed to a higher temperature, and circulated through your home using a radiant system or a forced air system.

The summer reverses this process. The system pulls heat from your home and delivers it underground or underwater for absorption. As a result, your home will feel cooler.

How Can a Geothermal HVAC System Work for You?

These systems are usually applied in two different ways: an open loop system or a closed loop system. Choosing the best one for your needs will depend on two main factors:

– the size of your property, and

– whether you have a significant source of fresh water near your house.

The open loop system requires a fresh water source – either a well or a running stream. This option needs at least one million gallons of water per year for optimal performance. Your water also needs to be tested for excess minerals and sustainability. Excess minerals could potentially damage the equipment, so using this system does not make economic sense.

The closed loop system uses an antifreeze solution. This option is more efficient for transferring heat. The non-toxic fluid stays contained inside the piping system and is not exposed to the environment. The pipes are buried underground or placed at the bottom of a pond.

The closed loop system installation in a pond is very cost-effective because it requires no excavation.

Sunnyvale Heating and Air Conditioning can install a Geothermal Heating or Cooling system in your home. For a free estimate call (408) 549-9082