Outdoor temperatures fluctuate with the changing seasons, but temperatures below the Earth’s surface (typically below six feet) remain relatively constant year-round. A geothermal system, which consists of an indoor unit and a buried earth loop, capitalizes on these constant temperatures to provide free energy.
During the heating season, fluid is circulated through the system’s earth loop and heat is absorbed and carried indoors, to the indoor unit. The indoor unit compresses this heat to a higher temperature and distributes it throughout the building. In the summer, this process is reversed; heat is absorbed from the building and distributed into the cooler earth.
We are an IGSHPA-accredited (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association) installer. Whether your geothermal heating and cooling project is big, small, new construction, or retrofit, Traut Companies has the expertise to help keep you warm, cool, and everything in between - efficiently!
Benefits of a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System
- Efficiency
Ground Source Heat Pumps are rated by their Coefficient of Performance (COP), which typically range from 3.0 to 5.0. This represents efficiencies of 300% to 500%. When compared to a conventional fossil fuel furnace, at efficiency ratings of 75% to 92%, you can see how these units perform so efficiently. - Cost effective
The efficiency of the system translates into lower operating costs, and less harm to the environment because of the reduced use of fossil fuels. Ask Traut Companies for specific cost savings. - Comfort
Because these systems use the relatively stable temperature of the earth as an energy source, you are assured of constant, even heating in the winter, and better humidity control in the summer. - Safety
A geothermal system uses no combustion, eliminating the worries of flame, flue, odors or carbon monoxide.
Types of Geothermal Heating & Cooling
There are two types of loop systems to choose from - the open-loop system and the closed-loop system. As you might imagine, they deliver heat and cooling to your home in significantly different ways. Traut Companies can help you decide which system is best suited for your location and needs.
Open Loop System
Open loop is sometimes known as “pump and dump.” Often, the water is pulled from your well which then runs through the heat pump and discharges outdoors. The open-loop needs a low area, or a body of water, where the water is dumped. This can pose environmental and logistical concerns. We recommend a “constant pressure” pump with a variable-speed motor to handle both the open-loop system, as well as the water you and your family use on a daily basis.
Closed Loop System
The closed-loop system works by circulating fluid. Usually, the liquid is water with a 15 to 25% food-grade glycol solution, which circulates in a non-stop operation. The closed-loop system has either horizontal or vertical loops. The vertical loop is the more efficient of the two. You would also want this loop system if your land surface is limited.
Once you decide which system works best for your property, our drill rig will bore small-diameter holes 70 to 300 feet deep. The hole’s depth will assure a more consistent, ambient temperature. The series of vertical loops are then connected with a manifold, which can either be placed underground or in your home’s “mechanical room” (such as your basement). There will be no unsightly pipes throughout your yard - everything is stored below the surface of the ground.