Improving Ground Source Heat Pump Efficiency

Key Points

• Ground source heat pumps use underground piping and stable geothermal energy to provide effective and efficient climate control.
• Geothermal heat pumps use open or closed loops, depending on if you have a suitable water source nearby.
• The efficiency of a ground source heat pump is influenced by thermostat placement and settings, the cleanliness of the heat exchanger, air filter, and ducts, and how well your home is sealed.

Think of ground source heat pumps as the MVPs of HVAC energy efficiency. Geothermal units earn SEER and EER ratings that more traditional heating and cooling systems simply can’t compete with. This means that you don’t have to worry about your system’s efficiency once you install a geothermal heat pump, right? Wrong! Letting your ground source condenser fall to the back of your mind leads to diminishing returns. That would be like Michael Jordan or LeBron James coasting after getting their first MVP awards. To improve your ground source heat pump’s efficiency, you have to optimize its performance from every angle. This means picking the right installation option, keeping up with maintenance, and being smart about your chosen settings. Luckily, IWAE knows exactly how to maximize your geothermal heat pump’s efficiency.

Choose the Best Geothermal Installation

Choosing the best geothermal installation for your home is integral to your system’s efficiency. The factors that influence this decision include the soil in your area, how much acreage you have available, whether or not you have access to a source of water, and more. Be sure to consult our geothermal heating facts to ensure your home has the means to support a ground source heat pump before pulling the trigger on a purchase.

Now that you have all the relevant information identified, it’s time to pick an installer. Be sure to share everything they’ll need to know about your housing situation so they can draw up the plans for your new system that account for your requirements.

Ground Loops

Ground loops give your heat pump the means to use the consistent temperature underground to heat and cool your home. Your installer will suggest the best system for your budget, often trying to limit the size and length of the ground loops to decrease the associated cost. Saving money up front is tempting when geothermal units have a steep entry price, but don’t let saving a few dollars compromise the efficiency and quality of your climate control. A geothermal system is an investment in your future energy needs.

Practically speaking, a bigger ground loop maintains a higher temperature. This means your heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard, and that decrease in demand translates to higher efficiency. This may not be feasible if you have restrictions on the available space outside, but spending extra on the ground loops if you have the capacity allows your heat pump to run more efficiently and save you money in the long run.

Choose an Open Water Well Loop

Whenever possible, laying an open water well system is more efficient than ground loops. Requirements for this setup are strict, as the loops will require adequate flow, and your property must be suitable for an open-loop system. Open water well systems maintain a higher ambient temperature than ground loop systems, meaning they’ll always offer the highest level of ground source heat pump efficiency. If you have a property with a well, this is an effective loop solution. Well, as long as your installer understands the effects that a submersible pump will have on your heat pump’s efficiency. If the well or water source is known and easily accessible, mention it to your installer for them to consider.

Keep the Heat Exchanger Clean

No matter what type of HVAC system you use, you cannot put a price on proper maintenance practices. Open-loop systems utilize water from a well or pond, but that water harbors contaminants that build up a coating of scale on your heat exchanger. It’s similar to limescale lining the inside of an electric kettle. Once scale develops, the heat transfer from your heat exchanger drops, pulling your heat pump’s efficiency down with it. Instead of letting your system suffer, proactively schedule occasional cleaning to maintain efficiency. For the highest reliability, a factory-sealed geothermal package unit can minimize the risk of refrigerant leaks and maintain peak efficiency for decades.

Change the Air Filters

Air filters perform the essential task of removing pollutants and airborne particles from the air circulating in your home. This particulate matter is stored within the fabric of the filter. Air filters get dirty quickly. Air filter maintenance is crucial, as neglecting your filter leads to clogging and restricted airflow. As you might guess, limited airflow decreases the efficiency of your geothermal heat pump. It also increases the likelihood of damage to your system and ruins the IAQ of your home. Your HVAC system’s manual will tell you how frequently the air filter should be replaced on average, but if you live with pets, allergies, or in an area with significant air pollution, be sure to change the filter more frequently. A good rule of thumb is to check your air filter every 30 days. If you’re worried you’ll forget, simply give your filter a once-over when you pay your rent, mortgage, or monthly utility bills!

Place the Thermostat Correctly

Did you know that where you place your thermostat influences your system’s efficiency? Optimizing your thermostat placement is simple:

• Install your thermostat on an inside wall that doesn’t get direct sunlight
• Avoid installing your thermostat in a south-facing room (especially if the main living area of the house is north-facing)

The reason for these rules is to ensure the thermostat is set up in a location that protects it from outdoor temperature fluctuations. These shifts trick the thermostat into switching your system on or off unnecessarily. Additionally, if your thermostat triggers auxiliary heat, your geothermal system will consume a higher amount of energy than it should. You’ll notice the drop in efficiency on your next utility bill.

Dirt Build-Up in Ducts

Much like with air filters, dirt and debris accumulate in your ductwork over time. These pollutants coat the inside of your ductwork, decreasing airflow and releasing contaminants into the air. This strains the filters, valves, and dampers, potentially causing clogs and other complications. Getting the ducts cleaned should be part of your annual HVAC maintenance. If you can’t remember the last time they were checked, there’s no time like the present.

Program Your Thermostat and Stick With It

Changing the thermostat too frequently considerably increases the amount of energy your system uses. Think of it like a car: if you cruise at a steady speed, your journey will be smooth and fuel-efficient. The same journey with constant acceleration and deceleration burns more fuel and puts excess strain on your car’s hardware. This same principle applies to your geothermal systems. Using a programmable thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures for large windows of time will keep you comfortable throughout the day, while optimizing your system’s efficiency.

Seal the Windows and Doors

Wondering what windows and doors have to do with ground source heat pump efficiency? If you’re spending upwards of $20,000 on installing a geothermal system, you should first examine the insulation in your home. All the efficiency in the world won’t help if air leaks out due to improper sealing on your doors, windows, and roof. Before you get your ground source heat pump installed, survey your home. Identify where heat is lost and seal those areas to prevent your heat pump from working overtime to compensate.

Think about your windows: Are they single-glazed? If so, it may be worth adding a secondary glazing to seal any drafts, or upgrading to double-pane windows if there’s room in the budget. Draft excluders for your doors and proper insulation keep heat trapped inside. Pay extra attention to the attic since heat rises. The direction your rooms face affects indoor temperatures, too: south-facing rooms may benefit from a reflective film on the windows to deflect the sun’s heat, whereas north-facing rooms are better equipped to keep out drafts with heavy-duty drapes

Improve Your Ground Source Heat Pump Efficiency With IWAE

Facts are facts: geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient residential heating and cooling solutions on the market today. Brands like ClimateMaster and GeoCool are making waves in the HVAC industry, providing efficiency ratings that seem too good to be true. While there’s no denying the cost is steep initially, the rewards you’ll reap from a ground source heat pump are well worth the investment.

If you’re curious about whether a geothermal system will work for your home, reach out to the customer service experts at IWAE. We’ll help you decide what heat pump is the best solution for your home and get you in touch with an installer who can handle the job.