Geothermal Heating Maintenance: Tips for Maintaining Maximum Efficiency & Longevity

Unlike conventional systems, geothermal heating and cooling systems only need minimal upkeep. But for you to keep the systems working effectively, you need to perform routine maintenance. Experts at SóGeo are known to deliver high-quality geothermal products. Besides, these specialists also emphasise the importance of proper care. As you read on, you’ll discover a few expert tips for maintaining your geothermal heating and cooling system today.

Does maintenance matter for geothermal heating systems?

Before answering this question, let’s start by understanding how geothermal heating systems work. These systems work by relying on underground loops and ground-source heat pumps. The heat pump circulates a fluid through the underground loops to absorb heat during the colder months. The system transfers the underground heat into the building during the winter months. During the summer months, heat is released from the building to the loops with the pump.

Geothermal systems are unarguably built to last for a longer period. However, to maintain their optimal performance for decades, you need to perform routine maintenance on them.

Bottom line: routine maintenance is crucial to keeping your system working optimally for decades (up to 25 years).

Essential tips for maintaining your geothermal systems 

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to maintain and care for your geothermal heating system:

1. Annual professional inspections matter

   There’s no denying that geothermal heating and cooling systems are low-maintenance. But for you to keep them at optimal performance all year, you need to consider professional inspections. You can schedule the inspection once a year.

   With the right company, such as SóGeo, professional inspections are key to identifying and addressing potential issues quickly. This company has expertly trained technicians who will inspect the following parts of your geothermal heating systems:

   • Refrigerant level
   • Heat pump
   • Electrical connections and controls
   • Loop fluid levels

   The inspectors will check your system’s refrigerant levels. In addition, they’ll check the heat pump and confirm that it’s clean and fully functioning. All electrical connections and controls are tested accordingly for optimal performance.
    

2. Are the air filters clean?

   For your ground-source heat pump to function properly, there’s a need for clean air filters. Dirty filters tend to restrict airflow. This forces the system to work harder than normal—this translates to more energy. To ensure your heat pump functions the right way, you need to examine your filters every month.

   If dirty, ensure to clean the filters accordingly. This simple step may be all you need to keep your geothermal heating system working effectively.
    

3. Examine the loop system

   As you already know, the loop system is one of the important components of geothermal heating and cooling. These loops can last up to 5 decades. Even at that, it still makes sense to examine them occasionally.

   During the inspection, look for signs of damage to the underground loops. One common issue with the loop system is when you start noticing sinking ground above the loops. You should also check for stability in the fluid levels. Any irregularities could mean you need to hire a professional technician to fix the system.
    

4. Look for warning signs

   Some early warning signs can help you understand if your geothermal heating systems need professional help. Some of them include:

   • Unusual noise
   • A sudden increase in energy bills
   • Inconsistent heating or cooling
      

If you currently experience any of these problems, hiring a professional technician is recommended. The right technician at SóGeo will identify the underlying cause and fix the problem accordingly.Speak with experts at SóGeo today to better understand how to maintain your geothermal heating system.