3 Problems That Can Happen with Geothermal System
admin • July 23, 2014

When it comes to reliable heating and cooling for a house, geothermal heat pumps offer one of the best options available today. Using the stable heat of the earth as a medium for exchange, a geothermal heat pump can provide heating and air conditioning that is far more efficient than that of an air-source heat pump. No matter the temperature outside, you can turn on your geothermal system and receive the comfort you need.

Although geothermal systems have remarkable durability (the ground loops can last for more than 50 years), they can still sometimes run into problems. When any of these problems occur, you need to contact professionals in geothermal air conditioning repair in Portland, OR to handle the work. Clean Air Act can handle the geothermal services you need to restore your system whenever you encounter any of the problems below.

  • Leaky ground loops: This is thankfully uncommon, because the plastic loops that circulate the water through the system (or circulate a solution of water and anti-freeze) are made from strong materials and will not corrode like metal pipes. But leaking can still occur, and if you notice a loss of heating or cooling, leaks along the loops may be the issue. Repair technicians can track leaks by placing a dye into the system and then locating where on the surface the water is escaping. The technicians can then excavate a small area to reach the damaged loop and seal it.
  • Scale build-up in the loops: If you use an open-loop system that circulates water from the municipal system, the loops can begin to pick of mineral scale from impurities in the water supply. This scale can eventually cause the loops to develop clogging and high water pressure. Technicians will use an acid-flush to clean out the loops.
  • Standard heat pump problems: Keep in mind that for all its advantages, a geothermal system is still a heat pump similar in many ways to an air-source heat pump and can suffer from the same types of repair problems. The interior cabinet components could suffer from breakdowns due to wear and tear, such as broken blower motors, electrical connection failures, and frost appearing over the coils. Most of the time, the repairs that you will need for your geothermal systems won’t have anything to do with the buried loops, and your technician will be able to take care of the necessary work above-ground.

If you detect a drop in the heating or cooling reliability of your ground-source heat pump, call for professional repair work right away. Installing a geothermal system is not a DIY job, and neither are repairs for one.

Clean Air Act is available 24 hours a day with emergency heating and air conditioning repair in Portland, OR. We specialize in geothermal repairs and replacements, so make us your first choice when you need help with your ground-source heat pump.

The Clean Air Act technician testing air purity for indoor air quality in Portland, Oregon home.
By Rodger Brown January 24, 2026
Need indoor air quality improvement tips in Portland, OR, this winter? Learn how humidity control, better air filters, and ventilation can help you breathe cleaner air all season.
A woman relaxing indoors during the holidays in a Portland home with clean, healthy indoor air.
By Rodger Brown December 31, 2025
Hosting more this season? Improve holiday indoor air quality in Portland with better filtration, duct cleaning, and HVAC support from Clean Air Act.
Outside view of snow covered Portland, OR to represent the need for furnace tune-up this winter.
By Rodger Brown November 26, 2025
Prevent breakdowns, reduce safety risks, and lower heating costs with a furnace tune-up in Portland, OR. The Clean Air Act keeps your home winter-ready.
An Alpine forest with mountains covered with snow.
By Rodger Brown October 27, 2025
Sealed homes trap pollutants in cold months. Change filters, book HVAC maintenance, upgrade to higher-MERV filters, and add a dehumidifier to manage moisture and prevent mold.
Clear Air technician performing a fall furnace tune-up and filter change in a Washington home.
By Rodger Brown September 30, 2025
Prep for cooler weather with a furnace tune-up, fresh filters, smart thermostat settings, and clean ducts/registers. Get practical energy-saving tips for Washington homes.
Wildfire smoke impacts indoor air too. Learn why changing your air filters during wildfire season.
By Rodger Brown August 26, 2025
Smoke and wildfire in Washington representing why checking HVAC air filter is important.
Show More