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tetcogeothermal...One step at a time:

General

Savings & Cost

Installation

Environment & Climate
   




General

  1. How efficient is a ground source heat pump (GSHP)?

    The GSHP is one of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems available today, with heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners. That directly translates into savings for you on your utility bills.

  2. Can one system provide both space heating and cooling for my home? And what about heating hot water?

    Yes. A geothermal heat pump can be a combination heating/cooling and hot water heating system. You can change from one mode to another with a simple flick on your indoor thermostat. Using a desuperheater, some GSHPs can save you up to 50% on your water-heating bill by preheating tank water.

  3. How does a GSHP system heat water for my home?

    Using what is called a desuperheater, GSHPs turn waste heat to the task of heating hot water. During the summer, when the system is in cooling mode, your hot water is produced free as a byproduct of the thermal process. In winter, with the heating mode, the desuperheater heats a portion of your hot water. Desuperheaters are standard on some units, optional on others. Stand-alone systems that will heat water all year around can be purchased.

  4. How much space do I need for a TETCO system?

    Tetco units are very compact, and typically sit in the basement of most homes. Please see the product specifications for specific dimensions.

  5. How long will my TETCO system last?

    TETCOs are durable and highly reliable. Compared with typical heating & cooling systems, TETCO geothermal units contain fewer mechanical components.

  6. How noisy is a TETCO unit?

    TETCOs are very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside & outside of the home. There are no noisy fan units to disturb outdoor activities, on or near the patio.

  7. How much space do I need for a TETCO system?

    Tetco units are very compact, and typically sit in the basement of most homes. Please see the product specifications for specific dimensions.

  8. Why is a TETCO system safe?

    The refrigeration components are protected within an enclosure; there is no exposed equipment. Guests, children, or pets have no incidental chance to come in contact with or damage any system components. In addition, geothermal heat pumps have no open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.

  9. How much space do I need for a TETCO system?

    Tetco units are very compact, and typically sit in the basement of most homes. Please see the product specifications for specific dimensions.

  10. How comfortable are geothermal heat pumps?

    The system moves warm air (90-105ºF) throughout your home or business via standard ductwork. An even comfort level is created because the warm air is moved in slightly higher volumes and saturates the building with warmth more evenly. This helps even out hot or colds spots and eliminates the cold air blasts common with fossil fuel furnaces.

  11. Can a geothermal system be installed in a non-residential site?

    TETCO has many systems already installed in commercial & industrial environments. Please speak with one of our Sales Engineers for consultations design assistance.

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Savings & Cost

  1. How money can I save with a TETCO system?

    Owners of TETCO geothermal systems have reduced operating costs and maintenance expenses. Investments can be recouped in as little as three years. Since there is a positive cash flow, the energy savings will exceed the cost of the system.

  2. How much does a geothermal heat pump cost?

    Generally, the initial investment for a geothermal heat pump is greater than that of a conventional system. However, when you consider the operating costs of a geothermal heating, cooling, and water heating system, energy savings quickly offset the initial difference in purchase price.

  3. What other costs are there besides the GSHP system?

    You can expect an installation charge for any electrical work, ductwork, water hook-up, and other provisions or adaptations to your home that are required. Your installer can estimate these costs in advance.

  4. Does my state offer any incentives for installing a GSHP system?

    Some utilities offer rebates or incentives to their customers who purchase GSHPs. Navigate to: To see what your state has to offer navigate to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.





Installation

  1. Are GSHP systems difficult to install?

    Most units are easy to install, especially when they are replacing another forced-air system. This is known as a retrofit. Geothermal heat pumps can be installed in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there is no combustion and thus no need to vent exhaust fumes. Ductwork must be installed in homes without an existing air distribution system. Your dealer or installer can assess the cost of installing ductwork.

  2. Can I install a geothermal system myself?

    It's not recommended. Thermal fusion of the pipe, drilling and trenching are procedures best handled by licensed professionals. While some geothermal systems are marketed as "Do-it-Yourself," nonprofessional installations may result in less than optimum performance, and a decrease in the life of the system.

  3. How far apart should trenches and vertical boreholes spaced?

    Trenches can be spaced about three to five feet apart while boreholes can be spaced ten to fifteen feet apart.

  4. How long does it take to install a horizontal system?

    This depends on soil conditions, length and depth of pipe, and equipment required. A typical installation can be completed in one or two days.

  5. How long does it take to install a vertical system?

    With the vertical installation, time varies with conditions on the site such as type and depth of the overburden, type and hardness of the bedrock, and the presence of aquifers. Typical drilling times are one or two days; total installation can usually be accomplished in two days.

  6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the horizontal and vertical installations, respectively?

    Horizontal installations are simpler, requiring lower-cost equipment. However, they require longer lengths of pipe due to seasonal variations in soil temperature and moisture content. Since a horizontal heat exchanger is laid out in trenches, a larger area is usually required than for a vertical system. Where land is limited, vertical installations or a compact Slinky™ horizontal installation can be ideal. If regional soil conditions include extensive hard rock, a vertical installation may be the only available choice. Vertical installations tend to be more expensive due to the increased cost of drilling versus trenching, but since the heat exchanger is buried deeper than with a horizontal system, vertical systems are usually more efficient and can get by with less total pipe. Your geothermal contractor will be able to help you decide which configuration best meets your specific needs.





Environment / Climate

  1. How do GSHPs protect the environment?

    GSHP systems conserve natural resources by providing climate control very efficiently-thus also lowering emissions. GSHPs also minimize ozone layer destruction by using factory-sealed refrigeration systems, which will seldom or never have to be recharged.

  2. What are the environmental benefits of GSHP systems?

    Currently installed systems are making a huge difference in our environment! The systems are eliminating more than three million tons of carbon dioxide and is equivalent of taking 650,000 automobiles off the road. GSHP systems conserve energy and, because they move heat that already exists rather than burning something to create heat, they reduce the amount of toxic emissions in the atmosphere. They use renewable energy from the sun, and because the system doesn't rely on outside air, it keeps the air inside of buildings cleaner and free from pollens, outdoor pollutants, mold spores, and other allergens.

  3. Do soil freezing conditions create any problems?

    Not if a system is properly designed and installed. The three to four foot depths allow the sun to melt the frozen soil during the summer. Adequate length per ton capacity prevents objectionable soil movement.

  4. Are additional heat sources necessary in extremely cold climates?

    All systems require an emergency back up. Heat pumps can provide all the heat necessary even in the coldest weather. An economic analysis by your contractor should dictate what portion of the heat should be provided by the heat pump and what portion by auxiliary means.