Geothermal HVAC System

A geothermal HVAC system is a system that utilizes the Earth’s energy underground to heat and cool your home or place of business. While these systems aren’t tremendously popular within the Asheville and Black Mountain areas, they do exist and are extremely efficient.

The geothermal HVAC system utilizes a pipe loop that is buried underground below the frost line. This loop is buried below the surface where the temperature stays around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This pipe loop has fluid that circulates throughout the system. It uses the available heat from the ground during winter months here in Asheville and then it places the heat back underground during the summer months.

1. An exchange loop for the water to flow through,
2.  a water-source heat pump to pump water throughout the system, and
3. ductwork to deliver air.

The field loop, which is the underground piping, utilizes a mixture of glycol and water. This fluid circulates throughout the pipes absorbing or releasing heat. The amount of energy that is used to heat and cool this system is extremely low. This is what saves homeowners money.

There are multiple benefits of a geothermal HVAC system. However, you can expect:

• An extremely quiet system,
• lower energy cost,
• long-lasting unit,
• lower maintenance, and
• you’re doing your part for the environment.

Given that this unit is mostly outdoors, it’s extremely quiet. Once installation is complete, most energy bills are lowered as well. According to Energy.gov, they use 70 to 80% less electricity than a traditional heating and cooling system. Yes, that’s 70 to 80% less!

In addition to the lower energy cost, geothermal HVAC systems work well for the Asheville and Black Mountain areas. The system controls humidity by maintaining about 50%, which is extremely effective during the North Carolina summers. The biggest downfall of a geothermal HVAC system is that it does need adequate space for the loop piping.