Electrical work needed for wiring the geothermal system at a residential home.

Electrical Supply to the Heat Pump

  • Dedicated Circuit : The geothermal heat pump requires a dedicated electrical circuit connected to the home’s breaker panel. This ensures a stable power supply and prevents overloading other circuits.

  • Voltage and Amperage : Most residential heat pumps operate on 240 volts and require specific amperage based on the system size. An electrician will verify that your home's electrical panel can handle the load and upgrade it if necessary.

Backup or Auxiliary Heating (Optional)

  • Many geothermal systems include an optional auxiliary electric resistance heater for extreme cold conditions. This will require additional wiring and integration into the system.

Electrical Panel Upgrade (if needed)

Older homes may require an upgrade to the electrical panel to provide sufficient power capacity for the geothermal system. This could involve:

  • Replacing the existing panel with one that has higher amperage (e.g., 200 amps).

  • Adding breakers dedicated to the geothermal system.

Hot Water Integration (Desuperheater)

  • If the geothermal system is configured to assist with water heating, additional wiring connects the desuperheater to your water heater. This often requires adjustments to the electrical panel to support both systems.

Permits and Code Compliance

  • Electrical work must meet local building codes. Licensed electricians will secure necessary permits and ensure all installations comply with safety standards.

    • The geothermal system connects to a thermostat (standard or smart). Electrical wiring ensures proper communication between the thermostat and the heat pump to regulate indoor temperatures efficiently. Ground Loop Circulator Pumps

    • Circulator pumps move the antifreeze solution or water through the ground loop system. These pumps need a power connection, typically near the heat pump, and may share its circuit.

  • Electrical work includes connecting sensors and control modules for monitoring system performance and energy usage. This may involve:

    • Installing power relays.

    • Configuring temperature or pressure sensors.