Most homes these days are equipped with a central HVAC system mainly comprised of a central furnace, ac unit, thermostat, and ductwork that help regulate temperature, air quality, and overall comfort. However, as we have all experienced, especially in the past few years, the increasing cost of staying comfortable is opening the door to new alternatives, one of which is a geothermal pump.
Geothermal pumps used the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool your house, depending on the season. Because they harness natural constant temperatures, heat pumps are an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to heat and cool your home. But, how do you know if a geothermal heat pump is right for your home?
As with anything, there are pros and cons to maintaining your indoor temperatures with a geothermal pump. One of the most obvious cons is the upfront cost of purchasing and installing a geothermal pump. Geothermal pumps regularly cost over twice as much as a typical heat pump system and can be even more costly, since the installation procedure is so technical and requires a technician who is trained and skilled in specifically geothermal heat pump installation. Although the initial cost may scare away some potential buyers, the geothermal heat pump pays for itself in a variety of ways, including lower energy, maintenance, and operation costs. Typically, the savings pay for the unit in anywhere between 2 and 10 years. These savings, combined with tax incentives for energy-efficient home improvements, make a geothermal heat pump a worthy competitor to traditional HVAC systems.
Geothermal heat pumps come in a variety of models, features, and price ranges. However, one thing in common is that they all provide 300-600% efficiency in heating a home on a cold night. Traditional air-exchange systems only provide around 175-200% efficiency. Also, geothermal heat systems are extremely quiet, very durable, and low maintenance. The average life span of these units is around 25 years for the internal components and over 50 years for the ground loop.
When in the market for a geothermal system, be sure to pick one with an Energy Star rating to be sure you are getting the best energy savings possible. In order to earn an energy star label, the system must perform very highly in product performance and energy efficiency. Geothermal heat pumps reduce emissions by over 72% over standard heating and cooling systems, saving money and the environment.
Of course, as mentioned before, the technical nature of the installation requires a professional who is trained in geothermal heat pump installation. Our team at Air Systems Services fits the bill, and our geothermal service technicians are experts at surveying the geology and hydrology of your land and designing a ground loop specific to your home that will be as effective as possible with no interference to your underground utilities or existing layouts.
If you would like more information about how a geothermal heat pump may be right for your home, call our specialized technicians at 919-266-5755, or fill out the contact form on our website for a free consultation.