Geothermal Guide: Common Repairs

Do you have a geothermal system? Are you considering one but want to know what some of the more common repairs are? A geothermal system uses the moderate ground temperature to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The basic setup is similar to an air source heat pump, but it is connected to what’s known as an “earth loop.” In this post, we’d like to review a few common repairs that you may wish to keep an eye out for.

• Leak: When professionally installed, the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping that makes up your underground “earth loop” should not be problematic. But there are other leaks to consider. Air leaks in the ductwork of your geothermal system can radically cut down on energy efficiency and cooling performance. Moreover, the connections between the loop and the heat pump components may be exposed and subject to wear and tear that can lead to leaks.
• Dirt: Your geothermal system should work well for years, but like any other heating and cooling system, it may accumulate dirt, dust, and other debris during the course of its lifespan. Any such accumulation on sensitive mechanical or electrical components can become problematic, so it’s best to keep your geothermal system as clean as possible.
• Electrical problem: While geothermal systems are widely known for their high energy efficiency, your heat pump does require electricity to operate. If your system won’t turn on and turns on and off intermittently, then you may have an electrical problem. First, make sure that you haven’t blown a fuse or tripped the circuit breaker. If resetting the supply doesn’t work, then there may be a damaged wire somewhere that you need a professional to fix.

While repairs are sometimes inevitable, with professional installation and minimal routine maintenance, a geothermal system is a bit sturdier than other types of heating and cooling systems.

For more information about Raleigh, NC geothermal repair, call Raleigh Heating & Air today!