Geothermal heating is a unique method of using the Earth’s natural heat to warm buildings and homes in Omaha, NE and beyond. The process involves tapping into the warmer temperatures found just below the earth’s surface and using a heat pump to extract this heat from the ground. Geothermal heating is effective thanks to the consistent subsurface temperatures found in our region. When you go just a few feet below the ground, you will find consistent temperatures ranging between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for geothermal heating. Omaha also has a mix of clay, loam and sand in its soil composition, which works well for geothermal systems.
Overall System Setup
A geothermal heating system consists of a heat pump, ground loops and a heat exchanger. The system is installed underground and is designed to extract the heat from the ground and transfer it to the air that is pumped into your home. Let’s take a closer look at each component and how it works within the larger system.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
A heat pump leverages the principles of heat transfer and the refrigerant cycle to transfer heat from the ground and disperse it into your home. It can do this by using refrigerant to absorb the heat from the outside air. Once the refrigerant has absorbed the heat, it is run through a compressor, where this process causes the refrigerant to increase in temperature and pressure. The compressed refrigerant is then passed through the condenser coil, where it releases the absorbed heat. It is at this point where the heat pump blower will push the warm air into your home and you will start to feel heat coming out of the register.
What Are Ground Loops?
Ground loops are a series of pipes that carry a liquid, typically a mix of water and antifreeze, through the underground system. As this liquid passes through the pipe system, it absorbs the heat from the ground. Ground loops are buried a few feet underneath the surface in either a horizontal or vertical configuration. If you have enough land space, you can use a horizontal configuration and only need to dig a few feet below the surface. However, if space is limited, you can opt for a vertical configuration where boreholes are drilled several hundred feet deep to provide enough room for the right amount of piping. The size and configuration of your ground loops will play an important role in the effectiveness of your geothermal heating system. Our team of experts can help you plan the appropriate pattern and ensure there are no excavation limits when planning where your ground loop system will go.
What Is a Heat Exchanger?
Once the liquid in the ground loops has made its pass through the system and extracted heat from the ground, it is passed into the heat exchanger. This component is located within the heat pump and is where the transfer of heat from the water and antifreeze mixture is passed into the refrigerant inside the heat pump. The heat pump then compresses the refrigerant, raises its temperature and then distributes that heat into your home.
Why Should I Use Geothermal Heating?
Geothermal heating is one of the most energy-efficient heating systems available. Since the ground temperature remains stable throughout the year, the system never has to strain itself to extract heat from the ground and pass it through the heat pump. If the ground loops are installed correctly, the process can run very smoothly with minimal interruptions. This heat source is also great for the environment, as it will reduce your need for fossil fuels. A geothermal heating system also lowers your greenhouse gas emissions and leads to a cleaner environment.
Additionally, since the heat source occurs naturally, you can see substantial cost savings compared to traditional heating methods. While the initial cost to install this heating system is more than a traditional HVAC system, the energy savings you will see each month can help offset that cost sooner than you realize. The ground loop system can be expected to last up to 50 years, and the heat pump itself can last for 20 to 25 years. This can provide you with decades of energy savings.
Contact Us to Further Explore Geothermal Heating
If you are looking for a unique way to heat your home in Omaha, consider installing a geothermal heating system. Here at Xtreme Heating & Cooling LLC, we pride ourselves on providing a variety of heating options and always keep your comfort in mind. Whether you need to repair an air conditioner or want to explore ways to save on your monthly energy bills, our certified HVAC technicians are just a phone call away. Contact us today to see how you can benefit from the installation of a new geothermal heating system.
