Geothermal HVAC systems have longevity and require relatively little maintenance compared to other types of systems. That being said, you should still have a professional perform a quick geothermal tune up once in a while to keep everything running smoothly. Here are the main things you need to check:

  1. Check installation. If this is your first time having your geothermal system inspected, have your technician inspect the installation. If the installation wasn’t done correctly, it will limit the performance that you will get from the system.
  2. Maintain levels of antifreeze. Your geothermal system has a water and antifreeze mixture acting like a refrigerant in the underground loop components. Your technician should check how much antifreeze there is and add more if needed. This will also help you identify if there’s a leak somewhere.
  3. Clean debris or dirt buildup. Just like a standard split-system, your geothermal system can be negatively affected by dirt. If dirt coats one or more of the main components, like the blower motor or heat exchanger, it will lower the system efficiency or cause damage. It’s much easier and cheaper for a professional to clean a part than replace it down the line.
  4. Inspect and clean ductwork. Geothermal systems also use air ducts, like most other HVAC systems. Air ducts are critical to delivering heated or cooled air around your home. If there are leaks or damage, your system will have to run more to compensate, raising your energy consumption. A professional should be able to find any major leaks and seal them.
  5. Check condition of loop system. The underground piping system rarely needs any work done to it. However, it’s a good idea to have your technician take a quick look for any leaks or unexpected deterioration.

Every service provider will conduct a geothermal tune up slightly differently, but most will follow these main steps.

If you’re looking for expert maintenance for your Wichita home’s geothermal system, please contact Comfort Systems.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about geothermal systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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