There are tons of heating and cooling systems out there in the world today. Traditional systems like furnaces, boilers, and standard air conditioners have served homeowners well for decades. But now there’s a new kid on the block that’s changing how Akron & Northeast Ohio homeowners think about indoor comfort.
We’re talking about geothermal HVAC systems. These innovative systems tap into Earth’s natural heat to keep your home cozy in winter and cool in summer. But how exactly does this game-changing technology work, and is it right for you? We’ll answer all the hard-hitting questions in this guide to geothermal HVAC systems.
What Is a Geothermal HVAC System?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems, also called ground source heat pumps, work by exchanging heat with the Earth. The ground maintains a constant temperature year-round of about 55 °F at depths of 6–8 feet. This stability makes the Earth an ideal heat exchanger. Your geothermal system taps into this renewable energy source through a ground loop — a network of pipes buried in your yard.
During winter, the ground loop carries a water-based solution that absorbs heat energy from the Earth. The heat exchanger then transfers this warmth into your home. In summer, the process reverses. The system pulls heat from your house and deposits it back into the cooler ground. This heat transfer process creates efficient air conditioning without burning fossil fuels like natural gas.
The system also provides hot water heating as a bonus feature. By redirecting some captured heat energy to your water heater, you’ll save even more on utility costs. This approach to heating, cooling, and hot water production showcases why geothermal energy stands out.
The Benefits of Going Geothermal for Akron & Northeast Ohio
The advantages of installing a ground source heat pump system go far beyond just heating and cooling. Your energy consumption will drop dramatically since you’re using the Earth’s free heat instead of creating it through combustion or electric resistance. Many homeowners see energy savings immediately after installation.
Air conditioners and traditional heat pumps struggle when outdoor temperatures get extreme. However, geothermal systems maintain peak efficiency regardless of the weather since ground temperature stays steady all year long. You’ll notice more consistent comfort throughout your home.
These systems also last much longer than conventional HVAC equipment. While air source heat pumps typically need replacement after 15 years, the ground loop of a geothermal system can last 50+ years. The indoor components run reliably for about 25 years with routine geothermal system maintenance, making this choice a generational investment.
How Geothermal Systems Work
The science behind geothermal heating and cooling is surprisingly simple. The ground loop system circulates a mixture of water and environmentally safe antifreeze. As this solution flows through the underground pipes, it naturally equalizes to match the surrounding soil temperature.
A high-efficiency heat exchanger then extracts this thermal energy and intensifies it through compression. The resulting hot or cold air gets distributed through your home’s ductwork just like a standard HVAC system. In heating mode, the process concentrates the Earth’s heat to temperatures high enough to warm your space. For cooling, it works in reverse to pull heat from your home and transfer it into the ground.
The amazing part is that this process requires minimal electricity. It will pull just enough to run the circulation pumps and compressor and create heat through energy-intensive methods. Instead, you’re simply moving existing heat energy to where you need it.
Types of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
When harnessing geothermal energy for your home, you have several options for system configuration. The right choice depends on your property’s layout, soil conditions, and available space. Most choices are closed-loop systems, but there are also hybrid and open-loop systems that exist on the market as well.
Horizontal Loop Systems
These systems use pipes buried in long trenches about 6-8 feet deep. They work well for homes with larger yards and are typically the most cost-effective option for new construction.
Vertical Loop Systems
In vertical systems, drilling equipment creates deep holes (up to 400 feet) to install the ground loop pipes. This configuration suits smaller lots or rocky soil conditions where horizontal trenching isn’t practical.
Pond/Lake Loop Systems
If your property includes a water feature, submerged loops can be highly efficient. The pipes coil through the water, which serves as an excellent heat exchanger.
Open Loop Systems
Rather than circulating a closed loop of fluid, these systems pump groundwater directly from a well through the heat exchanger. The water returns to the Earth through a second well or surface discharge.
Geothermal vs. Traditional HVAC Systems
Comparing geothermal systems to conventional heating and cooling shows that there are tons of differences in performance and efficiency. While the upfront cost of a ground source heat pump exceeds that of traditional equipment, the long-term value proposition is awfully compelling.
Traditional furnaces convert fuel or electricity directly into heat, achieving efficiency ratings up to 98% in top models. However, geothermal systems can deliver 3–4 units of heating/cooling for every unit of electricity consumed, which is equivalent to 300-400% efficiency. This remarkable performance comes from leveraging the Earth’s stored energy rather than creating heat from scratch.
Air source heat pumps are another option, and they offer some efficiency advantages over combustion heating, but they depend on fluctuating outdoor air temperatures. Ground loop systems maintain steady performance year-round by tapping the stable ground temperature beneath your property.
The Installation Process for Geothermal Systems and Other Important Considerations
Installing a geothermal heating and cooling system requires careful planning and specialized equipment. Professional installers use advanced drilling or excavation equipment to place the ground heat exchanger. They’ll minimize disruption to your landscaping and restore the area once the loops are in place. The indoor portion involves mounting the heat pump unit and connecting it to your home’s ductwork and electrical system.
While installation costs more than conventional HVAC equipment, federal tax credits and utility incentives can offset a significant portion of the investment. Many homeowners recover the additional expense through energy savings within 5-10 years. It’s truly a game-changing investment, and if you feel like this is right for you, we suggest that you look into it!
Get Started with Geothermal Heating and Cooling in Akron & Northeast Ohio
Interested in upgrading to a geothermal heat pump system in Kent, OH? Apollo can guide you through the entire process. We’ll analyze your property, recommend the right system configuration, and handle the complete installation with skill and care. Plus, we provide ongoing maintenance and repair services for Akron, OH, to keep your geothermal system running at peak efficiency for decades to come. Schedule your appointment today to learn more!