FAQs

Geothermal heating is a type of ground source heating that uses the constant temperature of the Earth to provide energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating for buildings. This works by circulating a fluid, usually water or a mixture of water and antifreeze, through a network of underground pipes, called a ground loop, which is buried in the ground. A heat pump amplifies the temperature of the heat absorbed from the ground and distributes it through your home’s heating system, warming your air inside.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel-based heating systems. They utilise the natural, renewable heat that is stored within the Earth to provide heating or cooling for buildings. However, it is important to note that the heat pumps themselves require electricity to operate, which may come from non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels. The environmental impact of geothermal heat pumps therefore depends on the source of the electricity used to power them.

Geo-exchange heating and cooling or geothermal as they more commonly known as systems are an excellent option for many locations in Victoria, Australia. However, the suitability of a geo-exchange system will depend on several factors, including the geology of the site, available space, and climate. The geology of the site is an important factor to consider as geo-exchange systems rely on the ability to exchange heat with the ground. Generally, locations with relatively shallow soils or hard rock geology may not be suitable for a geo-exchange system but many areas of Victoria have soils that are well suited for geo-exchange systems such as loamy soils that are found in many parts of the state. The available space is another important consideration. Geo-exchange systems require more space than traditional heating and cooling systems and this amount will depend on the size of your building and specific design of your system. Additionally, installation process may require drilling or digging so it is important to have sufficient space around your building and access to installation site

1. Unlike traditional heating and cooling systems that rely on the outside air for temperature control, geothermal heating and cooling systems draw heat from the ground. Geothermal systems are highly energy-efficient because they can draw heat from more stable temperatures than the outside air, resulting in lower energy bills. They also generally contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Lower Operating Costs: Because geo-exchange heating and cooling systems are so energy-efficient, they can result in lower operating costs over the long term. While the upfront installation costs can be higher than traditional systems, the energy savings can offset these costs in a relatively short amount of time. The most significant benefit of a geo-exchange system is that it eliminates the need for a boiler or air conditioning unit. This means you don’t have to worry about maintaining these components or paying for fuel to power them. You also don’t have to worry about having enough fuel on hand in case of a power outage.
   
3. A comfortable home is more than just a pleasant place to live—it’s a safe place to live. Geo-exchange heating and cooling systems provide consistent and even heating and cooling, resulting in a more comfortable indoor environment. They also operate quietly and do not require the use of a combustion process, reducing noise and indoor air pollution. This means that your family can spend more time together in your home, enjoying each other’s company in peace and comfort.
4. Reduced Environmental Impact: Geo-exchange heating and cooling systems have a lower environmental impact than traditional systems because they do not rely on non-renewable fossil fuels. They also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
5. Long Lifespan: Geo-exchange heating and cooling systems have a relatively long lifespan, with ground loops lasting for more than 50 years and heat pumps lasting up to 25 years. This makes them a long-term investment in a building’s heating and cooling infrastructure.

The actual amount of energy that a geo-exchange system can produce will depend on several factors, including:

1. Size and design of the system: The size and design of the geo-exchange system will impact its energy output. A larger system with more capacity will be able to produce more energy than a smaller one.
2. Specific heating and cooling needs of the building: The energy output of a geo-exchange system will depend on the heating and cooling requirements of the building it serves. A building with high heating and cooling demands will require a larger system that can produce more energy.
3. Climate: The climate in which the system operates will also impact its energy output. In colder climates, the system may need to work harder to produce heat, while in warmer climates, it may need to work harder to provide cooling.
4. Efficiency of the system: The efficiency of the geo-exchange system will also affect its energy output. A more efficient system will be able to produce more energy using

It is recommended to have an annual maintenance service performed by a licensed contractor to ensure the system is operating correctly, and any issues are addressed before they become more significant problems.

The time it takes to install a geoexchange system depends on several factors. The size of the system, the complexity of its design, and the specific requirements of the building where it will be installed can all affect how long installation takes. In general, however, installation typically takes anywhere from several weeks to several months.

Geothermal or geoexchange heating and cooling systems are designed to be discreet and unobtrusive. The majority of the system’s components are either buried underground or installed inside the building, so they’re not visible once the installation is complete. The only visible components will be the indoor unit, which is in the plant room, and any necessary ductwork or piping, which will be installed in the walls, ceiling, or floors of the building. The ground loop is typically installed in a series of trenches or boreholes that are then backfilled, leaving no visible evidence of its existence.