Geothermal Heating and Cooling for Portland Homes
A geothermal heat pump uses the steady temperature of the ground to heat and cool your home. A few feet down, the earth stays fairly even all year. A geothermal system taps into that stable source. In winter, it pulls warmth from the ground. In summer, it moves heat from your home back into the ground.
Sunset has helped Portland area homeowners stay comfortable since 1922. We install new geothermal heat pumps and replace older ones. Our team serves Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Tualatin, and West Linn. Geothermal is one part of our full line of heating services for local homes.
How a Geothermal Heat Pump Works
A geothermal system has three main parts. Each one has a clear job.
- A ground loop of buried pipes filled with water or a water mix
- An indoor heat pump unit that moves heat in or out of your home
- Ductwork or another system that spreads the air through your rooms
The fluid in the loop soaks up heat from the ground in winter. The heat pump then concentrates that heat and sends it through your home. In summer, the process runs in reverse. The system pulls heat out of your home and sends it into the ground.
Geothermal vs. Air Source Heat Pumps
A standard heat pump trades heat with the outdoor air. A geothermal heat pump trades heat with the ground instead. Ground temperatures change far less than air temperatures. That steady source helps the system run smoothly in cold snaps and heat waves. If geothermal is not a fit for your lot, a standard heat pump installation may be a great choice.
Types of Ground Loops
Ground loops come in a few common layouts. The right one depends on your property.
- Horizontal loops run in trenches a few feet below the surface.
- Vertical loops run deep into the ground through drilled holes.
- Pond loops sit at the bottom of a nearby pond or lake.
Horizontal loops need more yard space. Vertical loops fit smaller lots but need drilling. We help you weigh the options for your home.
Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal systems offer several benefits for the right home. Here are a few that homeowners value most.
- Heating and cooling from one system
- Quiet operation with no loud outdoor unit
- Steady comfort through wet winters and warm summers
- Less energy use than many older heating systems
- No fuel to burn inside your home
Every home is different. We look at your needs and help you decide if geothermal makes sense.
Is Geothermal Right for Your Home?
Geothermal works best when the home and the property fit the system. A few questions can point you in the right direction.
- Do you plan to stay in your home for many years?
- Do you have yard space or access for drilling equipment?
- Is your current furnace, AC, or heat pump near the end of its life?
- Are you building an addition or doing a major remodel?
If you said yes to a few of these, geothermal may be worth a closer look. Our team can visit your home and talk through the pros and cons. We want you to choose the system that fits your home and budget best.



