Keep Your Geothermal System Performing at Peak Efficiency With Professional Maintenance

We observe the indoor equipment cabinet—checking for corrosion, leaks, or debris accumulation. We inspect the ground loop circulator pump for visual signs of wear or leaks. We also check electrical connections for corrosion or looseness. Most problems show warning signs visually before they become failures.

• Visually inspect indoor equipment cabinet for corrosion, rust, or water stains
• Check for any visible refrigerant leaks around connections
• Inspect circulator pump and ground loop piping for visible damage or leaks
• Check electrical connections for corrosion, loose terminals, or signs of heat damage
• Verify equipment placement and clearances—confirming no obstructions
• Note any cosmetic or functional issues observed

We measure ground loop fluid pressure at the circulation pump outlet—this tells us whether the pump is operating at normal pressure and whether the loop is clear. We also measure temperature at the ground loop inlet and outlet using temperature sensors. The temperature difference between inlet and outlet indicates heat exchange rate—whether the ground loop is effectively transferring heat between your home and the earth.

If pressure is low or temperature difference is abnormal, we investigate further. We may test pump electrical current draw to assess bearing condition, or we may need to check for blockage within the loop.

• Measure ground loop pressure at circulation pump outlet
• Compare to previous maintenance readings and design specifications
• Measure fluid temperature at loop inlet and outlet
• Calculate heat exchange rate from temperature difference and known flow
• Measure circulator pump electrical current draw to assess motor condition
• Note any pressure or temperature trends (improving or declining) vs. previous visits

We connect manifold gauges to the system’s service ports—measuring high-side pressure (compressor discharge) and low-side pressure (compressor inlet). We take these measurements in both heating and cooling mode to assess how the system transitions between modes.

We then measure superheat—the temperature above saturation point at the compressor inlet. Superheat is the gold standard for confirming refrigerant charge accuracy. If superheat is abnormal, the charge is either too high or too low, and we recommend adjustment or leak diagnosis.

• Connect manifold gauges to high-side and low-side service ports
• Record refrigerant pressures in heating mode at design conditions
• Record refrigerant pressures in cooling mode at design conditions
• Measure superheat at compressor inlet in both heating and cooling
• Compare all measurements to manufacturer specifications
• Assess whether refrigerant charge appears correct, low, or high
• If charge is low, recommend leak diagnosis and repair

We measure compressor discharge temperature—how hot the refrigerant is leaving the compressor. We compare this to previous visits to identify trends. High discharge temperature can indicate excessive compression (overcharge) or high ground loop temperature. Low discharge temperature might suggest undercharge or compressor inefficiency.

We also measure compressor electrical current draw during startup and steady-state operation. Abnormal current can indicate mechanical stress inside the compressor or improper refrigerant charge.

• Measure refrigerant discharge temperature at compressor outlet
• Compare to design specifications and previous maintenance readings
• Measure electrical current draw during compressor startup and steady-state operation
• Assess current draw relative to rated compressor specifications
• Note any trends (improving or declining efficiency)
• Identify if compressor output is matching design capacity

We test the thermostat in both heating and cooling modes. We set it to call for heating at a temperature below room temperature and observe the compressor and ground loop pump responding. We set it to call for cooling above room temperature and observe the same response.

We also verify the thermostat reads room temperature accurately by comparing its display to an independent thermometer. If the thermostat is reading incorrectly, heating and cooling setpoints may be wrong—causing discomfort or energy waste. We test any auxiliary heating controls (if equipped) to verify they operate correctly.

• Set thermostat to heating mode and temperature below room temp; observe system response
• Verify compressor and ground loop pump start and run steadily
• Set thermostat to cooling mode and temperature above room temp; observe response
• Verify thermostat stops compressor when setpoint is reached
• Measure room temperature independently; compare to thermostat display
• Test any emergency/auxiliary heat operation if equipped
• Verify thermostat displays correctly and responds smoothly to adjustments

We inspect all electrical connections for corrosion or looseness—tightening any loose connections. Loose electrical connections generate heat and can cause failures. We test safety devices: high-pressure switch (shuts down if refrigerant pressure climbs dangerously), low-pressure switch (shuts down if pressure drops too low), and thermal overload (protects compressor from overheating).

We verify electrical continuity and grounding integrity throughout the system. We check for any fault codes or error messages displayed on control boards.

• Visually inspect all electrical connections for corrosion or looseness
• Tighten any loose terminals and clean corrosion off connections if needed
• Measure voltage at all critical points to verify proper power distribution
• Test high-pressure and low-pressure switches for proper operation
• Test thermal overload switch if equipped
• Check control board for any visible damage, burnt components, or discoloration
• Verify ground continuity throughout system

We measure system output capacity in both heating and cooling modes. In heating, we measure temperature rise and airflow to calculate BTU output. In cooling, we measure temperature drop and airflow similarly. We compare measured output to the system’s design capacity—if output is matching design specs, your system is operating efficiently. If output is declining, it signals gradual efficiency loss that needs investigation.

• Measure supply air temperature and return air temperature
• Measure airflow velocity at supply vent to estimate total airflow
• Calculate heating output (BTU/hour) from temperature rise and airflow
• Calculate cooling output from temperature drop and airflow
• Compare measured output to design capacity from original installation
• Assess whether efficiency is stable, improving, or declining vs. previous visits

We provide a comprehensive written report documenting: ground loop pressures and temperatures, refrigerant charge status, compressor discharge temperature and current draw, thermostat operation, electrical connections, safety devices, and calculated system efficiency.

If we recommend future work, we explain it clearly: “Your ground loop pressure is trending downward—we should monitor for possible slow leak next year” or “Your compressor discharge temperature is slightly elevated—this is within normal range now but bears watching.” You receive the report and understand exactly what we found, what’s operating normally, and what needs monitoring or future attention.

• Provide written report documenting all test results and measurements
• Explain each finding clearly: what we tested, what we found, what it means
• Compare this year’s readings to previous years—showing trends
• Identify any developing issues that warrant monitoring or future repair
• Discuss any recommendations for preventive repairs or component replacement
• Discuss any rebates or incentives that may apply to repair or replacement work
• Review energy efficiency and discuss any adjustments to improve savings
• Provide emergency contact information and maintenance plan enrollment options

If you’re not already a member of our maintenance plan, we discuss the benefits: automatic annual scheduling (you never forget), priority emergency service during heating season, and 10–15% discounts on any repairs needed. Members receive direct emergency numbers and priority dispatch—if something goes wrong between maintenance visits, you get rapid response because we know you’ve invested in preventive care.

• Review maintenance plan benefits and enrollment details
• Explain automatic scheduling: we remind you when service is due
• Describe priority emergency service and repair discounts
• Discuss preventive savings: annual maintenance prevents costly emergency calls
• Provide membership contact information and service number
• Schedule next year’s maintenance appointment (if enrolled in plan)