More and more people in Bryson City are starting to hear about geothermal heating and air conditioning systems. The interest is well deserved. Geothermal systems represent a huge leap forward in the heating and air conditioning industry. While that might be the case, there is still a lot of confusion about how geothermal systems work and how they are installed. We thought that it would be helpful for our customers in Bryson City if we organized the installation steps into one blog post.
How Geothermal Systems Work
Before we talk about how they are installed, it might help you have a firm understanding of how they work. If you were to dig down about 10 feet into the ground the temperature of the dirt would be around 55° F all year round—no matter what the temperature of the air was above the ground. Using a long series of coils, a geothermal system circulates water or a water and refrigerant mixture through the ground to heat and cool your home. In heating mode, heat is extracted from the ground and delivered into your home using a heat pump. In cooling mode, the process is reversed: heat from inside your home is removed and deposited into the ground.
The Installation Process
- Do you have space? – The first thing the geothermal technician will look for is to see if you have enough space for the underground loop system. The loop can be installed horizontally or vertically. If it’s vertical, the holes will need to be several hundred feet deep.
- Excavation – If you have the space for the loop, the next step will start digging. If you’re installed in a horizontal loop field, a large area will need to be dug out and the coils buried. If it’s a vertical installation, the holes will be drilled out and the lines buried there.
- Connect to Heat Pump – Once the loop is installed and filled with water or a water and refrigerant mixture, it can be connected to your heat pump.
Secondary System
While geothermal systems are exceptionally efficient, they sometimes need a little help. In areas with extreme heat or cold, the need for a back-up heating or cooling system might be required. Ask your Bryson City geothermal contractor if a backup system is right for your home in Bryson City.
If you have any questions about how geothermal systems work or if you’re interested in having one installed in your home, call Premier Indoor Comfort Systems today. We offer comprehensive geothermal services in Bryson City.