EarthLinked Technologies: Pioneers of Direct Exchange Geothermal
EarthLinked Technologies, headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, has been at the forefront of geothermal innovation since 1980 when founder Bob Cochran, an electrical engineer, began developing methods to harness solar energy stored in the shallow earth. Today, EarthLinked's direct exchange (DX) geothermal systems operate in all 50 states and 17 countries worldwide, manufactured in their LEED-certified facility in Florida.
What makes EarthLinked unique is their direct exchange technology. While conventional geothermal systems use water or a water-glycol mixture to transfer heat from the ground to an indoor heat pump, EarthLinked systems circulate environmentally friendly refrigerant directly through copper ground loops. This eliminates the intermediate heat transfer step, resulting in higher efficiency, smaller ground loop footprints, and fewer system components.
How Direct Exchange Geothermal Works
EarthLinked's DX technology represents a fundamentally different approach to geothermal heating and cooling:
- Copper Ground Loops — Refrigerant-grade copper tubing is installed underground in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal configurations
- Direct Refrigerant Exchange — Refrigerant circulates directly through the copper loops, exchanging thermal energy with the earth without an intermediate water loop
- Higher Efficiency — By eliminating the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger, DX systems achieve higher COP and EER ratings than comparable water-based geothermal systems
- Smaller Footprint — DX ground loops require less excavation than conventional closed-loop systems, reducing installation time and site disruption
- Fewer Components — Without circulation pumps, flow centers, or antifreeze, DX systems have fewer potential failure points
Product Lines
Classic Series
The Classic Series is EarthLinked's proven residential product line, designed for single-family homes. Available in multiple capacities with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal loop configurations to suit different property sizes and soil conditions.
Prime Series
The Prime Series represents EarthLinked's latest technology, featuring enhanced controls, improved efficiency, and quieter operation. Available for both residential and light commercial applications.
Commercial Systems
EarthLinked offers larger-capacity DX geothermal systems for commercial buildings, schools, and institutional facilities. Commercial configurations can include multiple units working in parallel for large heating and cooling loads.
Earth Loop Configurations
EarthLinked offers flexible ground loop options to suit virtually any property:
- Horizontal Loops — Ideal for properties with adequate yard space, installed in trenches 4-6 feet deep
- Vertical Loops — Best for limited space, with bore holes drilled to 100-200+ feet
- Diagonal Loops — A unique EarthLinked option that combines advantages of both horizontal and vertical configurations, reducing both drilling depth and trench length
Why Choose EarthLinked?
EarthLinked Technologies is the right choice for homeowners and building owners who want the most efficient geothermal system available. Their direct exchange technology delivers higher performance than conventional water-based geothermal with a smaller installation footprint and fewer components. With over 40 years of DX geothermal expertise and installations across all 50 states, EarthLinked has proven that direct exchange is a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective approach to geothermal heating and cooling. All products are manufactured in their LEED-certified facility in the USA.