"The first place you would want to go to would be your local dealer. If he can't answer your questions, you would go to his supplier, which would be the distributor, and then to the manufacturer. Then, there are some associations that can also help answer questions such as International Ground Source Heat Pump Association or the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium. Both of them have web sites," Peterson says.
The International Ground Source Heat Association or IGSHPA is a non-profit organization created in 1987 to promote and further geothermal heat pump technology on local, state, national, and international levels. This website has a "frequently asked questions" page that can help with troubleshooting. If you have further questions you can contact the agency by phone or email for help.
The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium is similar to the IGSHPA website. This site lists many different types of heat pump problems and what you can do about them. You can also contact the agency if you need further information. They can help put you in the right direction whatever your problem is. You will learn about the latest technological developments and how they can help improve reduce your costs.
If these two websites can't answer your questions, you can always call a local dealer and ask for their advice. Ask for references and a free heat pump inspection. Another option is getting on the internet and researching your heat pump problems. There are several resources that may be of useful help.
In the end, you may have to pay a small fee for an inspection, but make sure you research the heat pump company that comes out to service you. You want to make sure that they have insurance and are bonded. You will also want to ask for previous client information, so you can check out the company's approval rating.
Peterson says heat pumps are a big part of a home's utility costs. So, if your heat pump isn't functioning properly you will want to get on the problem as soon as possible.
Peterson suggests geothermal heat pumps, because they are earth friendly and can reduce your utility costs by up to 30 percent. Studies from the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium show that approximately 70 percent of the energy used in a geothermal heating and cooling system is renewable energy from the ground. In winter, the ground soaks up solar energy and provides a barrier to cold air. In summer, the ground heats up more slowly than the outside air.
