Geothermal, or ground source, heating and cooling is a high-comfort, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly technology that takes advantage of the Earth’s capacity to store energy in the from of heat. Geothermal heat pump systems use no fuel, but rather move heat from the earth into a building, or from a building back into the earth. A small amount of electricity is used to operate the pumps, fans, controls, and small refrigerator-like compressor, which along with the heat exchangers are the major components of the geothermal heat pump.

The geothermal heat pump accomplishes its heating and cooling tasks, known as “GeoExchange”, by obtaining heat through a connection to the earth known as a “loop”. The loop consists of a piping system circulating a water/antifreeze mixture from the earth to the geothermal heat pump and back. Because of the compressor in the heat pump the ground temperature need not be especially warm and these systems will perform efficiently virtually everywhere in the U.S.

Since only a very small amount of electricity is consumed by geothermal space conditioning systems and no fuel is burned, it is possible to calculate a “pay out period” for the purchase of the system. Gas, propane, oil and electric space conditioning systems can never pay out because there is a constant and significant fuel cost.

What Is Sound Geothermal?

Sound Geothermal (“SOUND GT”) is a company made up of group of energy industry professionals who have long, broad experience in every phase of the geothermal heating and cooling business. Recognizing that properly designed and installed geothermal systems required a mix of capabilities that include several areas far outside the general experience of most heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineers and contractors, SOUND GT structured itself so that its principals and key employees included a large commercial HVAC contractor, geologist, loop design experts, drilling specialist, geothermal system design and installation professionals, and energy service experts.

SOUND GT is dedicated to the proper design, installation, application and support of geothermal space conditioning systems. The fundamental mission of SOUND GT is to participate in the growing ground source heating and cooling business in the western U.S. as a provider of properly designed and packaged equipment, professional installation services, quality control/warranty certification and financing for residential, commercial and process applications.

The services of SOUND GT are typically used by, or in conjunction with, a local HVAC contractor. SOUND GT will provide all equipment and whichever installation services are desired by the local contractor or building owner. While the preferred approach is to establish and support a highly capable local dealer, SOUND GT will provide complete installation and support services directly in the absence of such a dealer.

SOUND GT prides itself on its ability to provide financing advice and assistance. Alternatives for financing geothermal heating and cooling systems include loop or equipment leasing, regional energy service programs, conventional financing, performance-based contracts, or access to electric utility incentive programs.