Neo-Geothermal

The geothermal heat pump is the heart of a geothermal energy system, and the geothermal heat pump manufacturer should design the unit appropriately. This article will give a brief overview of the offerings of the leading three geothermal heat pump manufacturers. As geothermal energy is still a fairly new concept, the different companies often do things in different ways and produce different types of heat pumps.

Econar, which is based in Minnesota, has been a geothermal heat pump manufacturer for more than twenty years. They specialize in “cold climate” heat pumps that are better at heating the home than cooling, though they are also capable of de-humidification, water heating, and limited cooling duties.

Water Furnace is based in Indiana and offers three different types of geothermal heat pumps, including the all-in-one that provides both heating and cooling. These pumps are designed to replace the indoor furnace and outdoor AC compressor, saving the customer up to 70% of their energy usage. They make pumps for both residential and commercial uses.

ECR Industries is based in Pennsylvania and specializes in direct exchange ground source systems. These systems include the source of the heat exchange with the ground, called the earth taps, a compressor that regulates the refrigerant's flow, and an air handler to transfer the air to the home or business. Their latest generation of pumps have been around since 2000.

Obviously not all geothermal energy systems are the same, and each geothermal heat pump manufacturer offers a completely different type of system that is generally compatible only with their pumps. There are very few generic parts available on the market yet. Although this often leads to better fitting and better quality control in general, it also means that prices can sometimes be higher than they have to be. As standards of geothermal energy arise, the prices of replacement parts and systems should begin to decline. As it is, the most expensive part of installing a geothermal energy system is the labor involved in the digging and placing of the components. Most contractors that are familiar with geothermal energy have a specific geothermal heat pump manufacturer that they prefer to use that is generally the most appropriate for the area in which they work.