Heat Pumps

The SMU Geothermal Lab specializes in exploration of geothermal resources focusing on temperatures capable of producing electrical energy, yet we find many of our requests related to discussions on geothermal systems for homes and buildings, or direct use of geothermal resources for commercial applications such as agriculture or aquaculture.  If you want to discuss your project, contact Maria Richards at 214-768-1975 or by email at mrichard@smu.edu.

Contractors/companies related to heat pumps and homeowners who are interested in geothermal energy are welcome to sign up for one of our periodic newsletters.

Included below are some links to sites with more information about Heat Pumps, also known as Geothermal Heat Pumps or Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP).   The list  is not inclusive.  There are many companies who build related equipment and contractors to design and install equipment.

Online Resources

Geothermal Exchange Organization has detailed information on geothermal based air conditioning systems and its use in the private and government sectors. The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium has been working to increase the awareness and use of geoexchange technology throughout the United States and the world.  They also have an excellent newsletter we recommend.

IGSHPA - the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, has list of designers and installers who have been through their training class.

Department of Energy has a good introduction to the types of geothermal heat pump systems available. 

DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) is the most comprehensive source of information on tax incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States.

HeatSpring offers training courses for geothermal installers and designers. 

GEOKISS website includes Ground Source Heat Pump design research and materials from Dr. Steve Kavanaugh of University of Alabama. Great material for those who want to do it themselves. The site includes a list of heat pump manufacturers, suppliers and contractors

National Geothermal Day website includes information for homebuyers and homeowners. 

SaveOnEnergy has put together a website on How Geothermal Energy Works. 

Major Equipment Providers

ClimateMaster has information on how geothermal energy works for heating and cooling homes and a Geothermal Cost Savings Calculator.  

GeoSource Solutions offer geothermal heating and cooling systems in the Dallas / Fort Worth area.

TERRASource supply geothermal heating and cooling systems.

WaterFurnace has information on different types of geothermal heat pumps, as well as information on geothermal heating and cooling.  

Online Monitor

View an online energy monitoring system for a house in Krum, Texas that includes solar panels and geothermal heat pumps.

Geothermal Heat Pump Articles

GI Energy Completes Geothermal Energy System for Cornell Tech Campus – GI Energy, November 8, 2017.

Welcome to the Steam-Powered Suburbs – CityLab, November 8, 2017.

Geothermal Is Paying Off in Some Berkeley County Schools – WV Public Broadcasting, September 22, 2017.  

Can Natural Gas Giants Switch to Geothermal? - Renewable Energy World, January 25, 2017

Geothermal Drillers Need to Understand the Process - National Driller, March 1, 2015

Bosch Teams With Taurus Investment Holdings to Launch Energy Smart Housing Community in Austin, Texas - Business Wire, January 20, 2015

Ten Myths About Geothermal Heating and Cooling - National Geographic, September 17, 2013