Geothermal Advantage

Carrier geothermal systems provide several good options for efficient indoor heating and cooling by tapping into the earth to capture its renewable energy. Here’s how it works: The earth absorbs energy from the sun and stores it in the ground. A geothermal system extracts that energy for home heating during the winter. For cooling, the system removes heat from the home and places it into the cooler earth. The transfer of heat energy is done through a series of pipe either buried in the ground, sunk in a pond, or by using well water.

Why Choose Geothermal?

Savings

Geothermal systems can offer lower operating costs compared to ordinary forced air heating and cooling systems. Those savings can be as high as 70% in annual heating and cooling costs

Comfort

These systems can provide even temperatures throughout the home year round, with excellent dehumidification during cooling.

Reliability

Geothermal units are known for durability and can operate for years with little maintenance. In addition, ordinary heat pumps and air conditioners are located outdoors and are subject to wear and tear caused b extreme temperatures, rain, snow, hail, and pollutio which can potentially reduce their life expectancy. Because geothermal units are located indoors, the can last 20+ years.

Quiet Operation

Unlike ordinary air conditioners and heat pumps, no outdoor unit is required. Carrier geothermal units use heavy-duty, fully-insulated cabinets for quiet operation. Quiet, soft starting variable-speed blowers are used in many models

Hot Water

Excess heat from system operation can be used to supplement the home’s water heater.

Geothermal Loop Options

Horizontal Loops

Used on larger lots. Installed using a backhoe or trencher.

Vertical Loops

Horizontal Loops

Used where land area is limited or soil conditions prohibit horizontal loops. Installed using a drilling rig.

Pond Loop

Coils of pipe are fabricated and sunk to the bottom of the pond.

Open Loop

Pond Loop

Well water from an existing well can be used, then discharged into a drainage ditch or pond.

Geothermal Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at jrcombs@combsheatingandcooling.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How efficient are geothermal heat pump systems?

Actual efficiencies will depend on a number of factors but, generally speaking, a geothermal heat pump can be between two to five times more efficient at producing heat than a gas, propane or oil furnace (based on the amount of energy consumed to produce a given amount of heat). For cooling, a geothermal system (30.0 EER) can be up to three times more efficient than an air source air conditioner (10.0 EER).

Why are geothermal heat pumps so efficient?

Geothermal heat pumps use the ground temperature as a “source” for heat energy to help warm your home, and use the ground as a heat “sink” during cooling. The earth acts as a giant energy battery, providing an endless, renewable source for heating and cooling comfort. Standard heat pumps use outdoor air for heating and cooling. Because the ground temperature is much more moderate and stable than air temperatures, geothermal system operation is much more energy efficient, especially at extreme outdoor temperatures.

What kind of underground loop system is best?

It depends on several factors. Homes on larger lots usually have horizontal loops installed. Smaller lots may require a vertical loop. A nearby pond can also be used. If you have a well water system, that may be an option. Your Carrier dealer is trained to determine which loop design is most appropriate for your home. Regardless of the loop system selected, the operating costs are all about the same.

How much space is needed for a closed loop system?

The smallest closed loop design, the vertical loop, may require a space of only 15x15 feet, or a line of 3x45 feet, located at least 10 feet away from the home, and 10 feet from property lines. Horizontal loops require considerably more space.

Will the fluid in the loops freeze during a long, cold winter?

No. Antifreeze in the loop fluid eliminates any concerns about freezing .

Can a geothermal unit be combined with a gas or propane furnace?

Yes. Some homeowners like the benefits of both technologies. In this case, a geothermal “split” unit (compressor only) is connected to a furnace and cooling coil. The geothermal unit will perform all the cooling and some of the heating. During the coldest days, the system can switch over to furnace operation to provide the warmest air temperatures and maximum capacity.

Geothermal Advantage

Why Choose Geothermal?

Savings

Comfort

Reliability

Quiet Operation

Hot Water

Geothermal Loop Options

Horizontal Loops

Horizontal Loops

Horizontal Loops

Vertical Loops

Horizontal Loops

Horizontal Loops

Pond Loop

Pond Loop

Pond Loop

Open Loop

Pond Loop

Pond Loop

Geothermal Frequently Asked Questions

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