Geothermal Technology

Geothermal technology is the use of heat from the earth's interior to heat and cool your residential or commercial space. The earth absorbs approximately 50% of all solar energy. When we dig down into the ground, the temperature is constant year round.

Berkeley Heating and Cooling, Inc. is a certified dealer of The Great Aire Comfort System. This is a direct exchange ground coupled system which was developed as a very efficient, comfortable and reliable heating, cooling and hot water heating system. We use copper tubes placed in the ground to utilize the constant temperature of the earth to transfer heat directly to or from a refrigerant which is piped to an air handler located indoors. No water is used, eliminating the need for additional heat exchangers, pumps and controls. The constant temperature of the earth allows for a constant supply temperature during the heating season for efficiency and comfort. During the air conditioning season, the heat is stored in the earth for subsequent use in heating water or use in the upcoming heating season. Excellent dehumidification is also attained.

What happens outside the home or building is what makes the direct exchange technology unique. We need to be deep enough in the earth so the temperature does not change adversely with the seasons. To do this cost effectively, we use a drilling rig to drill a small hole in the ground. The hole is approximately 60 feet deep and 3 inches in diameter. The number of holes drilled depends on the heating and cooling requirements of the home or building and rages from 3 to 10 holes per system. To minimize disruption of the ground surface, these holes are drilled from a central point and angled out around a circle, forming a conical shape in the ground. This provides a large volume of earth with a large surface area from which to draw heat energy during the winter.

This unique system uses no water based solution containing some form of antifreeze which could possibly leak and enter the ground water. There is no chimney to contribute to air pollution by emitting fossil fuels. It does not produce any green house gases.

The average residence or commercial property will save approximately 70% on utility bills. Currently, there is a Federal tax incentive of 10% over a period of 7 years.