Your Geothermal Heat Pump: How Long Will It Last?

When considering the high cost of installing a geothermal heat pump in the Tulsa area, the fundamental question of the system's longevity and maintenance costs needs to be addressed. The answer is simple: geothermal installations last a long time, and they require less maintenance than comparable gas or electric systems.

The heart, and primary cost of the system is the geothermal loop. If you choose a horizontal system, your contractor needs to remove a considerable amount of topsoil during the installation. After digging through four to six feet of red Oklahoma dirt, durable plastic pipe is installed and your yard is reconditioned.

The piping in the geothermal loop is rated to last 25-50 years, so you'll likely never need to replace it. Vertical geothermal loops cost more, as a deep hole needs to be drilled. But, if you have sensitive landscaping or limited space it might be the option for you. Since it's buried underground, the ground loop rarely needs maintenance—the high-density polyethylene plastic tubing is fused together, and shouldn't leak. Unlike exterior air conditioners and heat pumps, the ground loop can't be damaged by the elements or stolen.

In your home, the old inefficient furnace is removed and replaced with a compact, durable geothermal heat pump. This unit uses your existing duct work to heat and cool your home. It needs some of the same preventive maintenance that a traditional heater needs, like changing the air filters, but geothermal heat pumps are rated to last 20 or more years when cared for correctly.

Although the entry cost is high, a geothermal system is a long-lasting solution to expensive energy and HVAC maintenance costs in Broken Arrow. There are also intangible benefits, like less noise and consistent, comfortable temperatures in your home.

If you have more questions about geothermal energy, or if you're ready to take the next step, Air Assurance in Broken Arrow can help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Heat Pump Maintenance -- What You Can Do And What To Save For A Professional

Heat Pump Maintenance -- What You Can Do And What To Save For A Professional

If you make heat pump maintenance a priority, you’ll maximize your investment in the system, ensure top energy savings and keep your home comfortable through every season.There are certain tasks homeowners can do, but others should be left to the professionals.Here’s what you can do:

• Check your filter every month or so, particularly when the heat pump is used on a regular basis, and change it when it looks dirty or dingy. This action will allow optimal airflow into the system and keep your indoor air cleaner.

• Inspect the coils on the outdoor unit when you inspect the air filter, and clean them with a soft cloth or use a garden hose (with a gentle spray).

• Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear, because debris like leaves and grass clippings can inhibit airflow.

• Check your home’s registers and grilles for dirt, and vacuum or wipe them down when dusty.

Here’s what an expert should do:

• Check the system for dirt buildup, and provide a comprehensive cleaning for components like the air handler and coils.

• Assess the ductwork’s performance, test the airflow, and seal any leaks.

• Test the system’s refrigerant charge, and look for leaks in the refrigerant lines.

• Check the electric terminals, clean dirty connections and tighten loose ones. Ensure that the nonconductive coating is at the appropriate levels.

• Inspect the motor, lubricating it to ensure smooth operations, and check the belt for wear and tear (on older systems).

• Assess the controls to ensure that the heat won’t cycle on when cooling mode is selected and vice versa.

• Ensure that the thermostat’s settings operate correctly.

• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the reversing valve's operations.

If you perform these heat pump maintenance tasks every spring and fall, and schedule expert service in both seasons, you’ll ensure a top-performing system that lasts longer. To schedule a service appointment, contact Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality today! We've been serving homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     

Here's What You Should Do If Your Heat Pump Is Not Working Properly

During the cold winter months, you depend on your heat pump to be efficient and reliable. That said, it is a wise move to familiarize yourself with the most effective methods of troubleshooting heat pumps for when disaster does strike and your system does not function properly.Here are the primary steps you can take to test and assess your heat pump equipment:

• If your heat pump is failing to turn on, try pressing the "Reset" switch located on your unit.

• Verify that your thermostat is set specifically on "heat" mode. It should also be noted that if the temperature of your home and the temperature your thermostat is set for are within several degrees of each other your system might not operate; try adjusting your thermostat to a higher setting in this case.

• Try turning the fan switch on your thermostat to "on". This allows you to test if your system is receiving power. If activity is not detected, check the fuses and circuit breaker for issues. If power turns out to not be the issue, you could plagued by a bad capacitor or blower motor within your heat pump.

• Heat pumps -- as with all HVAC equipment -- are very reliant on clean air filters. If you notice your system is running for a very short time before shutting down, check the air filter for cleanliness. Changing your filter once a month is suggested.

• Airflow issues can contribute to the causes of improperly functioning heat pumps. Confirm that furnishings or other objects in your home are not obstructing supply air registers or return air grilles.

• Check your outdoor unit for ice buildup; contact a professional for service if any is noticed.

If after performing these checks the problem still has not been isolated, the best solution is to bring in a licensed expert to troubleshoot your system.For expert heat pump service and advice, contact Air Assurance today. We pride ourselves in serving the fine folks of the Broken Arrow/Tulsa area of Oklahoma.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!