Most homeowners in California who can afford it have a geothermal air conditioning and heating system. There is just one tiny problem with having this type of system in an earthquake-prone state. Earthquakes can damage a lot of things that are buried underground. If you live where earthquakes are common and you have a geothermal system, here are just some of the AC repair services you should expect now and in the future.

Earthquakes Break Geothermal Coils

Geothermal loops consist of coils in a sequence for larger homes and buildings and a single loop of pipe for smaller or average-sized homes. Regardless of what you have, earthquakes can still deliver enough force to break apart the coils and loops. The earthquakes cannot bust them completely unless it is a record-breaking earthquake. However, the earthquakes can break the coils or loops just enough to cause leaks. These underground leaks lead to inefficiency problems, and eventually, the system does not work the way you need it to.

Earthquakes Thrust Ground Upward and Break the System in Half

If you chose the geothermal system that is installed horizontally, it could be busted in half if a powerful earthquake cracks the ground and thrusts a chunk of ground and rock upward through your system. While rare, it can happen. You would have to have the entire system replaced, but at least your homeowners insurance should cover that if you have earthquake coverage.

Pipes Connected to the House and the System Are Broken

Along with the coils or loops, a geothermal A/C system has a few pipe leads that lead into and out of the house. A house shaken violently enough will extend that energy to whatever is connected to it. The pipe leads, when they are not copper or reinforced plastic, can and often will crack, be bent, etc.  It is really important that these lead pipes be repaired if the entire system is going to function properly and as expected.

The System as a Whole

Geothermal systems need maintenance. They only need repairs when earthquakes break them. They keep homes cooler or warmer for less money than it typically costs for other heating and cooling systems. They also manage to keep your energy consumption and carbon footprint down. The frequency and probability with which your current system will experience serious breaks and need equally serious repairs is slim, but nonetheless, it is important to know what will happen and how it will be fixed.