Geothermal heating systems FAQ
What is a Geothermal Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a mechanical device used for heating and cooling which operates on the principle that heat can be moved from a warmer temperature to a cooler temperature. A geothermal heat pump uses the earth to warm us in the winter and cool us in the summer. You already have a heat pump in your home – your refrigerator. If you put your hand behind it you’ll feel the heat that has been removed from the food inside the refrigerator. This is the same principle that a Heat Pump uses to move heat to and from the home and earth.
What does it cost to install?
Geothermal, like other central heating and/or cooling systems can be installed in a number of configurations including Forced Air, Hydronic Baseboard, and Underfloor Heating. The source can be either an open or closed loop. A geothermal heating system usually costs somewhat more than a conventional fossil fuel system with air conditioning to install, but has a lower operation cost and no fuel deliveries. There are also no atmospheric emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons with a geothermal system.
How does the cost of heating with a geothermal system compare to other heating modes?
Geothermal systems cost less to operate than electric heat pumps, oil, kerosene, natural and propane gas. They offer savings of up to 70% percent over these conventional systems.
How deep does the vertical borehole have to be?
Typically a geothermal borehole is 100m deep for a domestic installation; however this will vary according to the geological condition of the area. These boreholes may be much deeper for large scale industrial installations.
Where I live, I don't have ground water- is this a problem?
Absolutely not! Vendors supply air to water heat pumps that exchange heat with the air. While not as efficient or economical, they do prove to be better to use that currently utilzied fossil fuels.
Will the weather affect my system?
Outdoor temperature sensors are fitted to ensure that your geothermal heat system responds to climate changes, your system can then automatically adjust for rapid changes in the outdoor temperature
Can I control my system remotely?
Yes, your system can be remotely controlled over the internet.
Can geothermal be used to heat the whole house?
Yes - newly built or well insulated buildings can be easily heated with a heat pump. Old, badly insulated buildings can be a problem to heat by heat pumps in cold weather by heat pumps, and supplementary heating may be required.
What the servicing and maintenance costs of my system.
There are no regular servicing costs of running a heat pump but it is recommended that they are checked over every 3-5 years.
What is the life of a system?
Experts believe 18-23 years of serviceable life is expected from a geothermal heat pump. It is not unusual for such geothermal heat pumps to last 30-40 years. This is nearly double that of conventional systems.
How noisy is the pump unit?
Ground source heat pumps are very quiet, noise levels being equivalent to those produced by a fridge.
Can I use other sources of renewable energy to run my heat pump?
Yes, you can use Solar or Wind energy to power your heat pump.
How do I apply for a Grant?
Government grants are currently available for installation of renewable energy systems. Please visit http://www.sei.ie for more information and to download and an application form.
Can I heat my pool?
Yes, for an indoor, enclosed pool. For an outdoor pool a solar pool heater is a better option.