Geothermal Heating and Cooling in Athens, Cleveland and East Tennessee
Giles Heating and Air installs and services geothermal heat pump systems for homes and businesses in Athens, Cleveland and the surrounding East Tennessee counties, including closed ground loops, water loops and open pump-and-dump systems. Geothermal uses the steady temperature of the ground or well water to heat and cool with far less electricity than air-source equipment, and the indoor unit typically lasts 20 to 25 years. We are one of the few local companies that installs and services these systems.
How geothermal works
A few feet down, the ground in East Tennessee stays around 55 to 60 degrees all year. A geothermal system runs water (or water and antifreeze) through pipes buried in the ground or in a pond, or pumps well water through the unit, and uses that steady temperature as the source for heating in winter and the sink for cooling in summer. Instead of fighting 95-degree air or 20-degree air, the heat pump works against 58-degree water, which is why it uses so much less power.
Types of systems we install
- Closed ground loop (horizontal). Pipe buried in trenches. Needs yard space. Most common on rural lots.
- Closed ground loop (vertical). Pipe in drilled bore holes. For smaller lots.
- Water loop (pond loop). Coils of pipe sunk in a pond or lake. Lowest cost if you have the water.
- Open loop / pump-and-dump. Draws well water through the unit and discharges it to a ditch, pond or second well. Needs good water quality and quantity.
We size the loop and the unit together, handle the excavation or coordinate the drilling, install the indoor unit and desuperheater (free hot water in summer), and connect to your existing or new ductwork.
What to expect on cost and savings
Geothermal costs more to install than a conventional heat pump because of the loop. Operating cost is typically 40 to 60 percent lower for heating and cooling, and the indoor equipment outlasts air-source units because it lives indoors. Federal tax credits for geothermal have been available in recent years; check current rules or ask us and we will point you to the current guidance.
TODO: verify current federal credit status before publishing a percentage.Geothermal service and repair
We service and repair existing geothermal systems of all brands, including loop pressure and flow checks, pump replacement, antifreeze testing, and the same refrigerant and electrical work as any heat pump. If another company installed it and will not come back, call us.
Common questions
Does geothermal work in East Tennessee?
Very well. Our ground temperature and clay soils are good for loops, and our long cooling season is where geothermal saves the most.
How long does a geothermal system last?
Indoor units 20 to 25 years, ground loops 50 years or more.
Do I need a big yard?
For a horizontal loop, yes. Vertical loops and pond loops work on small lots or lots with water.
Can geothermal use my existing ductwork?
Usually, if the ducts are in good condition and sized right. We check before quoting.
Do you repair geothermal systems installed by someone else?
Yes.
Is there a tax credit for geothermal?
There has been a federal residential credit in recent years. Confirm the current status with your tax preparer, and ask us for the manufacturer's certification paperwork.