Geothermal air conditioners are not only the most environmentally friendly form of air conditioning, but they can save up to $400 a year on your energy bills.
Geothermal air conditioner not working Overview
But what happens when you turn them on and nothing happens? Here are some reasons why it may be that your geothermal system isn’t working.
Reasons why geothermal air conditioner not working
There’s no mistaking the sound of a geothermal air conditioner clicking on and off when you flip the switch or turn it on and off. Once you start hearing nothing, there are a few possible reasons it isn’t working.
- Your geothermal air conditioner is unplugged. Of course, this is one of the most obvious reasons why your geothermal system isn’t working. For your AC unit to work properly, it must be plugged into a power source. This means that even if your system otherwise is functioning properly, you won’t get any cooling or heating from it if you forget to plug it in.
- The circuit breaker is off. Depending on where your geothermal system is installed, the circuit breaker may be separate from the ones for other electrical appliances. If this is the case, you may have left it inadvertently turned off and not realize that your air conditioner isn’t working until you try to turn it on.
- Dirty air filters. If your geothermal system has dirty air filters, they will cause a slight reduction in the efficiency of your unit. This may not show up right away, but if it doesn’t improve with cleaning, it might be worth contacting the HVAC system professional to help rectify the issue.
3 Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy
Although geothermal energy has several benefits, it is not the most environmentally friendly source of energy. While it does not emit greenhouse gases, it does release hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere. This gas can cause health problems, including headaches. Additionally, the extraction of geothermal energy can cause damage to nearby ecosystems. Some geothermal energy power plants also produce a lot of noise.
Another disadvantage of geothermal energy is that it can cause earthquakes and change the structure of the Earth. This happens because the energy is heated and pushes water into the earth’s crust, opening fissures and causing tremors. Fortunately, geothermal power plants are often far from major population centers. However, the potential for earthquakes is still a concern. Geothermal energy plants must be located far away from populated areas in order to prevent this problem.
Another disadvantage is the need for space for ground loops, which is necessary for geothermal power. But these systems are still much better than fossil fuels when it comes to saving energy. Because geothermal power is renewable, the system is better than fossil fuels for heating and cooling. But even then, the initial capital expenditure may seem high. The long lifespan of these systems makes them an investment, but the savings are very attractive. And unlike oil and gas, geothermal power systems are not susceptible to price fluctuations.
While geothermal energy is an environmentally-friendly option, the process of harnessing it requires careful maintenance. Without proper care, geothermal energy systems can run out of steam after years of activity. Also, improper usage can cause water to run out, which is problematic when residential heating is concerned. However, geothermal energy has enormous potential. Inappropriate use of geothermal energy can have disastrous consequences for the environment.
How Does Air Conditioning Work With Geothermal?
Geothermal systems use a loop of pipe buried in the ground, usually about 15 feet below the surface of the house. This pipe loop is filled with water and sometimes a mix of water and refrigerant. The pipe loop connects to the geothermal unit inside the house, which is similar to a traditional air conditioner. The loop absorbs heat from the air inside the house and removes it to the ground, where it cools. The air returns to the house at the desired temperature.
As a renewable alternative energy source, GeoThermal cuts down carbon emissions from buildings by 50%. A single system cuts the emissions equivalent of planting a forest or taking two cars off the road. Because it pulls heat from beneath the earth’s surface, geothermal systems are environmentally friendly, affordable, and safe. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have both acknowledged the benefits of using geothermal HVAC systems.
One of the benefits of geothermal systems is that they require little maintenance. Once installed, a geothermal loop can last generations. The components of a geothermal system are enclosed indoors, and protected from weather and other damages. Similarly, the ductwork of a conventional AC system is exposed to the elements. This exposure causes increased wear and tear. Despite the advantages, geothermal systems may cost a bit more than a traditional AC system.
How Do You Reset a Geothermal Air Conditioner?
If you are wondering how to reset a geothermal air conditioner, you are not alone. Many people are faced with this question. If you are also asking yourself the same question, then this article will help you out. Here’s what you need to know:
A problem may occur due to a blown fuse. Make sure that the power switch is on both indoors and outdoors. Closed air registers will reduce cool air within the room. This can cause the heat pump to run ineffectively and cost you more money in the long run. To resolve these problems, you will need to call a geothermal system technician. If the problem is not caused by a blown fuse, then your unit is likely a low refrigerant charge. Check for leaks and add refrigerant as necessary.
The fault indicator LED will be blinking in the system until the power is restored. Wait for about five minutes, after which the LED will turn off. If you don’t receive power for more than an hour, the unit will automatically reset itself. If it doesn’t, you can also perform a manual reset by removing the thermostat call. But if you are unable to reset the system by means of this method, make sure you read the user manual carefully before making any changes.
One of the most common problems with geothermal heat pumps involves incorrect loop pressure. It can result in insufficient heating or cooling, or worse, shutting down the entire system. The pressure gauge on the system pressurizer should show the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which is usually between 50 and 75 psi. If the pressure gauge is not accurate, you can call an HVAC technician to reset the unit. The technician will then check for any leaks or loop pumps that might be causing the problem. Most of these issues are relatively easy to fix, but some problems may require professional help.
Geothermal Air Conditioner Not Working? Causes and Solutions
If your Geothermal Air Conditioner is not working properly, you may want to consider some common causes and solutions. These issues include dirty air filters, obstructed registers, blown fuses, and even leaking ground loops. You can also check the power connect switches on both the indoor and outdoor units to ensure that they are connected properly. Finally, be sure not to dig up the ground loops. The ground loops are a major component of your Geothermal Air Conditioner.
The easiest way to troubleshoot a geothermal air conditioner is to check the settings on the heat pump. Make sure the power switch says “on” for both the indoor and outdoor units. If it doesn’t, you may need to replace a blown fuse or repair the circuit box. In some cases, the pump may be blocked by furniture. Checking the power switch is a great first step.
Next, you must check the thermostat. A wrong setting may cause the system to work harder than it should, or it could be a problem in the interior cabinet. If this is the case, you should contact a technician. If the temperature is too low or too high, the problem is more likely to be inside the unit. If you notice a sudden loss of power, the system may be malfunctioning somewhere else in your home.
There are some advantages to geothermal HVAC. Besides its efficiency, it is better for the environment than conventional HVAC systems. Conventional heating systems produce carbon monoxide, which is a dangerous gas that is undetectable. With a geothermal system, you won’t have to worry about these gas emissions or headaches. You’ll be saving money, space, and headaches, which can only be a good thing.
Conclusion
Geothermal air conditioner not working? If your geothermal system is providing you with any issues, it’s always best to contact a professional HVAC technician rather than try and attempt to fix the problem yourself.
This way, you know that the problem is diagnosed and fixed properly. Read about green energy resources here.