Geothermal HVAC Repair and Replacement in the Shenandoah Valley Area

Staying at the right temperature at home doesn’t need to be a challenge, even when eco-friendliness and energy efficiency are a concern. Geothermal heat pumps, also known as geo-exchange heat pumps or ground source heat pumps, are a heating and cooling solution that is growing in popularity due to their use of renewable energy. These dual systems can provide comfortable temperatures year-round, even when the Shenandoah Valley drops below freezing. To help you keep your home temperatures perfect, Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley offers geothermal heat pump repairs, maintenance, replacements, and installation. We proudly serve the entire Shenandoah Valley, including Winchester, Front Royal, Stephens City, Strasburg, Berryville, Middletown, and beyond.

How Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work?

Geothermal heat pump systems provide temperature control through the Earth’s natural temperature instead of burning fuel or using a large amount of electricity. The earth or a body of water underground remains at the same temperature year-round, usually around 50 degrees. The stable temperature underground contrasts with the more fluctuating temperatures of the air, which is how an air-source heat pump provides heating or cooling.

A geothermal system uses coils, or “loops,” buried underground. When providing geothermal heating, those coils pull heat from the ground or water and transport it using a conducting liquid like water or antifreeze. Then, a fan pushes the resulting heated air through your property’s ductwork to heat your home. If your home does not already have the needed air ducts to circulate air, Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley provides ductwork installation services. The system works the opposite when you need geothermal cooling, instead pulling heat from inside the home and depositing it in the ground outside. Some systems, including open loop systems, can also provide hot water, assisting your existing water heater system and decreasing the need for water heater repairs and replacements.

Types of Geothermal Systems

• Horizontal Loop - Horizontal loop systems are closed-loop systems that use plastic or copper pipes to house and move conducting liquid. In the case of horizontal loop systems, pipes are laid in 4-6 foot deep trenches over a large amount of space. This system is the most cost-effective approach to geothermal heating and cooling.
• Vertical Loop - Vertical loop systems function the same as horizontal loop systems, although they are buried 100 to 400 feet deep instead of across a wide area of land. These systems are particularly useful in limited space or when the ground is too hard or rocky.
• Pond/Lake - Heat is pulled from groundwater instead of soil in a pond or lake geothermal system. The coils are submerged in a property’s pond or lake. These systems are sometimes called water-source heat pumps.
• Open Loop - Open loop systems have an input and output instead of being a fully closed system. They exchange water with a property’s well or other body of water. The water circulates into the open loop, where the heat is removed, and then the water recirculates back into the body of water.

Benefits

Although they are more expensive upfront due to complex installation, geothermal heat pump systems have several benefits. Geothermal heat pumps:

• Are quieter than air-source heat pumps or traditional heating and cooling methods
• Use clean, renewable energy
• Can decrease heating and cooling operating bills
• Are the most energy-efficient approach to temperature control
• Can be used year-round
• Are long-lasting, up to 20 to 25 years

Geothermal Repair and Maintenance

Like every heating and cooling system, the health of your geothermal heat pump depends on consistent maintenance and repairs. Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley offers services to keep your system running for as long as possible. Geothermal heat pumps are lower maintenance than most other heating and cooling approaches since they are protected from outdoor elements and have fewer moving parts.

Much of the system is inaccessible without large equipment and special expertise, making repairing the coils component one of the most extensive challenges of geothermal heating and cooling. However, the coils are long-lasting and need little maintenance. Problems with your heating and cooling usually lie with your geothermal heat pump unit or home thermostat. Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley will provide maintenance and repairs to your heat pump so your geothermal system can continue running normally. We also offer thermostat replacement and repairs.

Common Repairs and Maintenance

• Repairing or replacing fan blades
• Addressing leaks
• Removing scale buildup
• Fix or unstick valves
• Tackle issues with motors
• Restoring power
• Ensuring the thermostat is functioning

Need an expert to inspect your geothermal heat pump? Contact Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley today!

Geothermal Installation and Replacement

Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley can install or replace your entire geothermal heat pump system. These systems have three main parts: the underground coils, the geothermal heat pump, and the means of distributing air, such as air ducts. Our professionals are experienced in installing all these components, ensuring clean, efficient temperature control for your home.

Geothermal system installation is a large-scale process that requires professionals and will significantly impact the land surrounding your home. The installation process will vary based on the type of system needed and the available space around your property. Due to its complexity, it is best to turn to an Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley service professional for geothermal heat pump system installation and extensive replacements.

The entire geothermal heating and cooling system is long-lasting, meaning initial installation is the most significant financial and time-consuming part of owning a geothermal system. Installation and replacement of the aboveground geothermal heat pump component is simpler, easily allowing an expert to replace parts of or the complete heat pump to keep the system running smoother for longer.

Signs You Need Replacement

• Inconsistent heating or cooling
• Your unit is over 20 years old and losing efficiency
• You notice corrosion on the geothermal heat pump
• You have high indoor humidity
• Your energy bills are skyrocketing
• You are constantly scheduling repairs

Considering adding a geothermal heating and cooling system to your home? Call our experts today to get started.

Why Work with Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley?

Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley is proud to offer exceptional geothermal heating and cooling services, including commercial geothermal services. If you are interested in geothermal heat pump systems for your property, our experts are ready to help you decide if it is the right system for your property. If you choose to add a geothermal system, we offer installation and keep your system running smoothly for years. We also provide other home comfort solutions, such as indoor air quality services and duct cleaning. When you contact Aire Serv of the Shenandoah Valley, you’ll get the HVAC service you need with upfront pricing and friendly, expert service.