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Geothermal Heat Pumps

A sailboat at sunset.

What Is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy is the heat from the earth. It can be found almost anywhere, including Washington.

Geothermal heating capitalizes on the fact that temperatures in the Earth remain fairly constant when digging just a few feet below the surface. Whether you live somewhere where temperatures fluctuate or somewhere with a more constant temperature, the temperature below the surface stays relatively the same.

The upper part of the earth’s crust, roughly the first ten feet of ground, can maintain a temperature between about 50°F and 60°F. Geothermal heat pumps can use this energy to heat and cool buildings while using less energy than a typical HVAC system.

Geothermal heat pumps do not burn fossil fuels; instead they simply transfer heat from the earth to your home and back out. Because these pumps harness the earth’s available energy, they can save you anywhere from 30 to 70 percent on your bill over the next five to ten years.

Say it’s 5°F one night during the winter, and you have your thermostat set for a cozy 72°F in your home. It takes a lot less energy to reach your desired temperature if the starting point is 55°F using a geothermal heat pump.

How Does Geothermal Work?

Geothermal HVAC systems use a series of equipment and piping to transfer the earth’s energy to and from your house. A heat pump exchanger is the series of pipes called the “loop.” This loop of pipes is buried in the ground either vertically or horizontally, depending on the geography of the region. A fluid (usually water mixed with environmentally friendly antifreeze) is circulated through the pipes to absorb and dispel the heat from the ground. This heat is then extracted by the heat pump unit and delivered in or out of your living spaces using conventional ductwork air delivery systems.

Don’t Let The Name Fool You!

Geothermal heat pumps can heat and cool a building. They can even be equipped to provide hot water.

Will It Work In My Building?

Geothermal heat pumps are flexible and can be installed in new construction or retrofitted to work with existing systems.

Geothermal Is Environmentally Friendly!

Geothermal systems require very little maintenance and are environmentally conscious. These systems use the least amount of electricity, reduce air and water pollution, and produce the fewest emissions. They are safe for the environment as well as your home. They also provide the most stable comfort level, with more efficient humidity control and less noise.

Need Geothermal Heat Pump Service?

Contact the experts at West Mechanical.

Call us at 360-734-7599!

Geothermal Heat Pump Maintenance in Orcas Island, WA 98280

“Tim saw when he arrived that I have equipment he is not familiar with. To his great credit, he was candid about that he did what he could do for this maintenance, and we discussed a plan for going forward. I respect that very much!”

– Doug M.

Geothermal Heat Pump Installation in Bellingham, WA 98284

“West Mechanical and Aaron Byers helped built our dream home and never left our side for years now. Aaron was a major advisor to assist us in multiple components for our home. He heard I have a horrible dust mite allergy and therefore my quality of air in my home keeps me healthier. We have a Geothermal system to heat and cool, on demand hot water system (for when all the kids and grandkids are home), heat/air duct system and zone control system. Our house runs itself, but when an issue pops up, West Mechanical responds in a timely manner always respectful, kind and knowledgeable. Its not easy to trust people with your dream, but we are glad we did.
Thank you Aaron Byers & West Mechanical
Dana”

– Dana S.


West Mechanical proudly provides HVAC service to Bellingham, Friday Harbor, Orcas Island and the surrounding communities. Visit our service area page for more coverage details, call us at 360-734-7599, or request service online today.