How Geothermal Energy
Systems Work

Geothermal systems includes three principal components:

Geothermal earth connection
Geothermal heat pump
Geothermal heat distribution

Geothermal Earth Connection

A series of pipes, commonly called a "loop," are buried in the ground near your home, either vertically or horizontally. This loop circulates fluid (water, or a mixture of water and antifreeze) that absorbs heat from, or exudes heat to, the soil, depending on whether the immediately surrounding air is colder or warmer than the soil.

Geothermal Heat Pump

In heating mode, heat is extracted from the fluid in the earth connection by the geothermal heat pump and distributed to the home - typically through a system of air ducts. Cooler air from the building is returned to the geothermal heat pump, where it cools the fluid flowing to the earth connection. The fluid is then re-warmed as it flows through the earth connection.

In cooling mode, the process is reversed. The relatively cool fluid from the earth connection absorbs heat from the building and transfers it to the ground.