Question 1

My geothermal system stopped working, what's the most common problem?

Accepted Answer

When a geothermal system stops working entirely, the cause is often similar to that of a traditional HVAC system. Before calling for service, you should always check your home's circuit breaker to ensure the unit has power. A tripped breaker is a common and simple fix. If the power is on, the problem could be a failed component in the indoor unit. A bad capacitor for the compressor or blower motor, a failed transformer, or a faulty control board are all common reasons for a total shutdown. These are often the first things a technician will check.

Another very common cause of failure that is unique to geothermal systems is a problem with the circulation pumps. These are the small pumps that move water through your underground loop field. If these pumps stop working, the heat pump cannot transfer heat and will quickly shut down on a pressure safety fault. The pumps can fail electrically, or the motor can burn out. A technician will check to see if the pumps are running as one of the first steps in a diagnosis. This is a frequent point of failure in many systems.

In summary, while the geothermal loop itself is very durable, the system still relies on mechanical and electrical parts. The compressor, blower motor, and circulation pumps are the most likely mechanical parts to fail. The control board, capacitors, and sensors are the most likely electrical parts to fail. Our diagnostic process is designed to systematically check each of these common failure points to find the root cause of the shutdown quickly and get your system running again.

Question 2

How do you fix a leak in the underground pipes?

Accepted Answer

Fixing a leak in the underground ground loop is a multi-step, specialized process. The very first step is to confirm that a leak actually exists. We do this by monitoring the pressure of the loop system over time. A consistent and significant drop in pressure is a clear indicator of a leak. Once confirmed, the next challenge is to find the leak's precise location without having to excavate your entire yard. This requires a process of elimination and specialized equipment. It is not a simple or quick task.

To locate the leak, technicians often start by isolating different sections of the loop field if possible. By pressurizing individual loops, we can determine which circuit contains the leak. Once we have narrowed it down to a single loop, we can use advanced tools to pinpoint the location. One common method is to use sensitive acoustic listening equipment to hear the hiss of water escaping the pipe underground. This process requires a quiet environment and a very skilled ear. After pinpointing the spot, we carefully excavate only that small area to expose the pipe.

Once the damaged section of pipe is exposed, the repair itself is relatively straightforward for a trained technician. The damaged section is cut out, and a new section is fused into place using a special heat-welding tool. This fusion process creates a seamless and durable joint that is as strong as the original pipe. After the repair is complete, the trench is backfilled. The entire loop system is then purged of air, refilled with the correct water and antifreeze mixture, and re-pressurized to the proper level.

Question 3

Is geothermal repair more expensive than regular HVAC repair?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a geothermal repair depends entirely on what part of the system has failed. Many repairs on a geothermal system cost the same as they would on a traditional heat pump. For example, if the indoor blower motor, a capacitor, or the main control board fails, the cost of the part and the labor to replace it are very similar to a standard system. These components are not unique to geothermal technology, so their repair costs are comparable. Many common issues fall into this affordable category.

However, repairs involving the geothermal-specific components can be more complex and therefore more expensive. The diagnostic process itself is often more involved, which can lead to a higher initial diagnostic fee. If one of the ground loop circulation pumps fails, the replacement part is typically more expensive than a standard condenser fan motor. The most significant potential expense is the repair of an underground loop leak. The labor-intensive process of locating and excavating a leak makes it a costly repair, although it is fortunately a very rare occurrence.

In short, while a simple repair might cost the same, you should be prepared for the possibility of a higher repair cost if the problem lies within the specialized geothermal components. The equipment is more advanced, and fewer technicians have the training to work on it, which can influence the cost of labor. This is why annual maintenance to catch problems early is so important for these systems. It helps you avoid the larger, more complex repair jobs.

Question 4

What are the signs of a bad circulation pump?

Accepted Answer

There are several clear signs that one of your ground loop circulation pumps may be failing. The most obvious sign is a complete system shutdown accompanied by an error code on your thermostat or the unit itself. Many geothermal systems will display a "low pressure" or "flow" fault when the circulation pumps stop working. This is the system protecting itself because it knows it cannot transfer heat without water circulating. This is often the first indication that a homeowner will notice.

You can also look for physical signs at the location of the pumps themselves, which are usually near the indoor unit. If you hear a loud humming, grinding, or squealing noise coming from a pump, it is a sign that the motor's bearings are failing. You can also carefully check for any visible water drips or leaks around the pump's seals and connections. The pump may also feel excessively hot to the touch if the motor is struggling or has seized up. If the pump is silent and cool when it should be running, it may have an electrical issue.

A failing circulation pump will also cause a dramatic loss of heating or cooling performance before it fails completely. If your system seems to be running constantly but is not adequately heating or cooling your home, it could be due to poor circulation in the ground loop. Our technicians can measure the flow rate and pressure in the loop to confirm if the pumps are performing up to specification. A bad circulation pump is a common repair need for geothermal systems as they age.

Question 5

Why is my electric bill so high with my geothermal system?

Accepted Answer

If you have a geothermal system and your electric bill suddenly spikes, it is a clear indication that something is wrong with the system. Geothermal systems are designed to be incredibly efficient, so a high bill means it is not operating as it should. The most common cause for this is that the system has automatically switched over to its backup electric resistance heat. This is an auxiliary heat source, essentially a set of large heating coils like in a toaster, that is built into the indoor unit. It is designed for emergency use only, as it consumes a massive amount of electricity.

Your system will switch to this expensive backup heat if there is a major fault in the primary geothermal system. For example, if a circulation pump fails or the compressor shuts down, the system might engage the backup heat to keep your house from freezing in the winter. You may not even realize it has happened until you receive your next utility bill. If your bill is unusually high, it is crucial to have a technician inspect the system to find and fix the primary fault. This will allow the system to switch back to its ultra-efficient geothermal operation.

Other issues can also reduce efficiency and lead to higher bills. A problem with the ground loop, such as low pressure or improper fluid concentration, can force the compressor to work much harder and run longer. A refrigerant leak in the indoor unit will have the same effect. Any problem that reduces the system's ability to transfer heat effectively will result in higher electricity consumption. A professional diagnostic visit is the only way to determine the exact cause of the lost efficiency and get your energy bills back under control.

Question 6

What does a "low pressure" fault mean on my geothermal unit?

Accepted Answer

A "low pressure" fault code on a geothermal system can be a bit ambiguous because there are two different pressure systems involved. The fault could be referring to the refrigerant pressure, just like in a standard heat pump. Or, it could be referring to the water pressure or flow within the ground loop. A trained technician will need to perform a diagnosis to determine which system the fault code is referencing. However, it almost always points to one of a few common problems.

If the fault refers to the refrigerant pressure, it typically means the same thing as it would on any air conditioner: a refrigerant leak. However, on a geothermal system, it can also be triggered if the ground loop fluid is not circulating properly. Without water flow, the refrigerant cannot get rid of its heat or cold, which causes its pressure to drop to unsafe levels. Therefore, the first thing a technician will often check is the operation of the circulation pumps. A failed pump is a very common cause of a low refrigerant pressure fault.

If the fault is referring to the water pressure in the ground loop itself, it is an indication of a problem with that specific system. It could mean that a circulation pump has failed and is no longer generating enough flow pressure. More seriously, it could mean that the static pressure of the entire loop is low, which would indicate an underground leak. The technician will have to connect gauges to the loop to determine if the issue is a dynamic flow problem or a static pressure problem.

Question 7

Can any HVAC technician repair a geothermal system?

Accepted Answer

It is strongly recommended that you only hire an HVAC technician with specific certification and experience in geothermal systems. While a standard HVAC technician may be able to handle issues with the indoor unit's blower or thermostat, they will likely lack the knowledge to diagnose the geothermal-specific components. Geothermal technology is a sub-specialty within the HVAC industry. It requires an understanding of hydronics, fluid dynamics, and ground-source heat transfer that is not part of standard air conditioning and furnace training.

An inexperienced technician is very likely to misdiagnose a problem. For example, they might see a low refrigerant pressure fault and assume the system has a refrigerant leak. They may then spend hours searching for a leak or incorrectly adding refrigerant. A geothermal expert would know to check the ground loop circulation pumps first, as that is a more common cause of that specific fault code. This specialized knowledge saves significant time and prevents incorrect, costly repairs.

Hiring a certified geothermal technician ensures the repair is done correctly and safely. They will have the specialized tools required to check loop pressures and test fluid concentrations. They will understand how to properly diagnose and replace a circulation pump or troubleshoot the advanced control boards. Given the high cost and complexity of a geothermal system, you should not risk having it serviced by someone who is not an expert in the technology. Always ask for a company's credentials and experience with geothermal systems before hiring them.

Question 8

How long does a geothermal repair take?

Accepted Answer

The time required for a geothermal heat pump repair can vary dramatically based on the nature of the problem. Simple repairs involving the indoor unit are often the quickest. For example, replacing a failed capacitor or a thermostat can often be completed in just a couple of hours. These are straightforward jobs that are similar to repairs on traditional HVAC systems. If the problem is a common part that the technician has on their truck, the repair can usually be completed in a single visit.

Repairs involving the geothermal-specific components tend to take a bit longer. If a circulation pump needs to be replaced, the job might take half a day. The process involves draining a portion of the loop, cutting out the old pump, plumbing in the new one, and then refilling and purging the system of air. This is a more involved process than simply swapping an electrical part. Diagnosing a complex control board issue can also be time-consuming as it requires meticulous testing of various sensors and circuits.

The most time-consuming repair by far is locating and fixing an underground loop leak. The diagnostic process to pinpoint the leak can take a full day or more on its own. The subsequent excavation, pipe repair, and restoration of the system can take another one to two days. This is a major project, but fortunately, it is also the rarest type of geothermal repair. Our technician will always provide you with a clear and realistic timeline after the initial diagnosis is complete.

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