Geothermal heating systems take advantage of the earth's insulating effect. Once you go below the surface approximately 30 feet, the temperature remains very steady and above freezing all winter long. A ground source heat pump uses a little electricity to extract the heat from water circulated through pipes buried deep underground, resulting in affordable and efficient heating.
What's Required for Geothermal Drilling?
Installing the ground loops of pipe for a ground source heat pump is easiest before a structure is built, but it's also possible to install next to an existing home or business. Vertical loops are recommended because they're drilled deep, similar to a water well and maintain a more steady temperature. Horizontal loops require digging up more of an existing lawn for a retrofit installation. Both forms of drilled loops can only go in after a heating contractor has completed a load estimation for the structure. The length and number of loops are determined by the amount of heating and cooling needed and the size of the corresponding heat pump.
Why Geothermal Heating Rocks for Central Illinois
For both residential and commercial applications, geothermal heating is a reliable and safe way to heat a structure all winter long. Since the temperature at 30 feet deep and below doesn't change regardless of snow, blizzards, rain, or other above-ground conditions, there's little change in your heating costs or fuel usage just because of a bad winter. The heat pumps used to extract the heat are quiet, efficient, minimize electricity costs, and require only basic annual maintenance. There's no need to wait on a delivery of heat oil or propane, or to live within a direct service line for fuel, just to keep a home or business warm in the Central Illinois winter.
