Geothermal - Balancing Technology & Style

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Haley Comfort Systems’ energy experts in Plainview, Hastings, Forest Lake and Rochester Minnesota are the area’s industry leaders in geothermal systems and installation. At Haley Comfort Systems we can assist you in choosing the geothermal solution best suited to meet your comfort needs.

How Geothermal Works

Your backyard can be an effective energy source for your heating and cooling needs. With the changing of the seasons outdoor air temperatures fluctuate. However ground temperatures remain relatively moderate and stable all year long. This “stored energy” comes indirectly from our sun. The Earth absorbs 47% of the sun’s heat energy that reaches the surface. A geothermal system circulates a water-based solution through a buried loop about four to six feet below the surface to take advantage of these stable temperatures. This single piece of equipment has the ability to heat and cool your home, while providing some or all of your home's hot water as well. Geothermal systems are extremely energy efficient and can save you 30% to 70% on your monthly utility bills.

Immediate Energy Savings

Your new geothermal system will give you immediate energy cost savings. New home construction is a great example. The additional cost of installing geothermal somewhat raises the mortgage payments, however the money you save in increased energy efficiency more than make up the difference. Your new geothermal system will provide you with better comfort, higher property values, and lower energy costs. It’s like having someone pay you to live in your new home from day one!

Heating Cycle

During the heating cycle, the fluid circulates through the loop extracting heat from the ground. The heat energy is transferred to the geothermal unit. The unit compresses the extracted heat to a high temperature and delivers it to your home through a normal duct system or radiant heat system.

Cooling Cycle

For cooling, the process is simply reversed. Because the earth is much cooler than the air temperatures on a hot day, the geothermal system removes heat from the home and deposits it into the ground. The fluid is cooled by the ground temperatures and returned to the unit for cooling your home.

The Heart of the System: Geothermal Loops

Your loop system is the heart of geothermal technology. Regardless of the option you select, it will deliver over 300% efficient comfort and savings for many years into the future. Haley Comfort Systems will help you select the proper loop system based on a site survey and by conducting a detailed energy analysis of your home.

Installing a geothermal loop system is like getting a 70% discount on energy for the life of your home.

Vertical Loop:
This loop is used mainly when land area is limited and in retrofit applications of existing homes. A drilling rig is used to bore holes at of depth of 150 to 200 feet. A U-shaped coil of high density pipe is inserted into the bore hole. The holes are then backfilled with a sealing solution.

Horizontal Loop:
This is the most common loop used when adequate land area is available. Loop installers use excavation equipment such as chain trenchers, backhoes and track hoes to dig trenches approximately 6-8 feet deep. Trench lengths range from 100 to 300 feet, depending on the loop design and application.

Pond Loop:
A pond loop is an option if a large body of water is available within approximately 200 feet of the home. A ½ acre, 8 to 10 foot deep body of water is usually adequate to support the average home. The system uses coils of pipe typically 300 to 500 feet in length. The coils are placed in and anchored at the bottom of the body of water.

Open Loop:
This system can be installed if an abundant supply of high quality well water is available. A typical home will require 4 to 8 gallons of water per minute. A proper discharge area such as a river, drainage ditch, field tile, stream, pond, or lake must be present. Check your local codes for restrictions before selecting a specific discharge method.