System     Features

  Earthlinked DX geothermal heating and   cooling systems

 Fossil fuel heating & cooling  systems

  Liquid based geothermal heating   & cooling systems
System Operation

Directly exchanges heat energy with the Earth through a series of refrigerant filled copper lines buried in your lawn. Since only 2 exchanges are made DX moves  much more heat energy in a cycle than liquid based geothermal systems.

 Transforms a fossil fuel into heat by burning it. Circulates a liquid through an open or closed loop in the Earth. Makes three heat exchanges  which is less efficient.
Energy Use  & Efficiency A yearly average of 400% plus  Only electricity is used by compressor unit and air handler. Furnace gas efficiencies in the 90% area. Air conditioners vary. Electricity is used by air conditioner and furnace blower fan. Furnace also of course uses fossil fuel. A yearly average efficiency of 300 to 350%. Electricity is used by the compressor, air handler, water pumps, and defroster system.
Operating Costs By far the least expensive. Outrageously expensive. Cheaper than fossil fuel.
Inspections & Maintenance A 5 year inspection is recommended but not truly necessary. Maintenance is as simple as changing a standard air filter when needed. An annual inspection is highly recommended due to the risk of carbon monixide poisoning if the heat exchanger cracks. Maintenance includes changing the air filter and possible cleaning of build up. Most manufactures recommend an annual inspection. Maintenance includes changing the air filter and any water filters that may be present.
System Compatibility

Forced air, hydronic in floor and baseboard, domestic water heating and pool water heating

DX systems can use the same air ducts your furnace used.

Forced air, hydronic in floor and baseboard, steam, domestic water heating and pool water heating

Forced air, hydronic in floor, and domestic water heating

Majority of these systems require an oversized duct system.

Control Systems

 Earthlinked uses robust relay controls to operate their system. The only actual circuitry is the digital thermostat control. Uses a variety of electronic controls that are easily damaged by power spikes.

Also uses a variety of electronic controls that are easily damaged by power spikes. A defrost system is needed to de-ice the heat exchanger during long periods of use.
Design Issues - Inexpensive low voltage relays and a compressor contactor that may need to be replaced in 10 to 20 years. The system will have 3 to 6 low voltage relays depending on your setup.

- High energy consumption

- Control system easily damaged and expensive to replace

- Open flame indoors, risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

Open Loop

- Very complex control systems that are difficult to service and of course expensive

- Potential maintenance can be very expensive due to the use of well pumps which can fail. The use of this water most likely will cause the heat exchanger to fail due to calcium and iron build up. Wells can also lose water production with age which will require service to the control system.

Closed Loop

- Requires large area for installation

- Less efficeint than Open Loop