Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to ask us a question feel free to email: info@geofurnacemfg.com

What is a geothermal system?

Geothermal heat pump systems are heating and/or an air conditioning system that use the Earth's ability to store heat in the ground and water thermal masses. These systems operate based on the stability of underground temperatures: the ground a few feet below the surface has a very stable temperature throughout the year, depending upon your location's annual climate. A geothermal heat pump uses the available heat in the winter and puts heat back into the ground in the summer. A geothermal system differs from a conventional furnace or boiler by its ability to transfer heat versus the standard method of producing heat. As energy costs continue to rise and pollution concerns continue to be a hot topic, geothermal systems may hold a solution to both of these concerns.

How much will it cost me?

Cost is key with any home heating system. The price varies on how much heating and cooling your home requires. A 1000 sq. ft. home may require less heating and cooling then compared to a 1800 sq. ft. house. Our units are based on a "TON" measurement representation. Geothermal units use 40% to 70% less energy than conventional systems. While conventional furnaces and boilers burn a fuel to generate heat, geothermal heat pumps use electricity to simply move heat from the earth into buildings, allowing much higher efficiencies. The most efficient fuel-burning heater can reach efficiencies around 95%, but a geothermal heat pump can move up to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity needed to power the system, resulting in a practical equivalence of over 400% efficiency.

This translates to: YOU PAY LESS FOR MORE EFFICIENT HEATING AND COOLING.

Starting costs may be initially higher than conventional systems, but with fuel prices continuing to rise, these conventional systems continue to rise in cost comparison year after year.

With geothermal you pay less over time.

What is a Ton? What is a BTU?

A "TON" is a unit of measurement for heating or cooling homes. Meaning 1 ton represents approximately 12,000 BTU/h. It is the amount of power needed to melt one short ton of ice in 24 hours, and is approximately 3.51 kW. A BTU are those units of energy used to determine how many ton your house will need to reach heating and cooling requirements.

How much space does a unit require?

Most of a ground source heat pump installation is underground. Inside the house, the heat pump units are about the same size as a traditional heating and cooling unit.

How noisy is the unit?

Ground Source Heat Pumps are very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside and outside of the home.

Are systems difficult to install?

Most units are easy to install, especially when they are replacing another forced-air system. This is known as a retrofit. GSHP's can be installed in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there is no combustion and thus no need to vent exhaust fumes. Ductwork must be installed in homes without an existing air distribution system

Will my existing ductwork function with this system?

Yes, in most cases. Your dealer or installer will be able to determine ductwork requirements and if any minor modifications are needed.

My yard contains many shade trees. Will this affect ground temperature and my ability to use it as an energy source?

Not at all. The system is installed deep enough that it utilizes constant ground temperature.

On the About Us Page its says Mr. Hunt is accredited by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), as an installer and installation trainer. What is IGSHPA?

The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is a non-profit, member-driven organization established in 1987 to advance ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology on local, state, national and international levels. Headquartered on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, IGSHPA utilizes state-of-the-art facilities for conducting GSHP system installation training and geothermal research. With its access to the most current advancements in the geothermal industry, IGSHPA is the ideal bridge between the latest technology and the people who benefit from these developments.

Where can I find MORE information about ground source heat pumps?

Please use the following links for even more information: