Pros of Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

Do you want a heating and cooling system that keeps your home toasty warm in the winter and cool in the summer? Do you dream of a heating and cooling system that saves up to 50 percent on your utility bills? Do you want to decrease your carbon footprint? A Geothermal heating and cooling system can do all of this. In fact, thousands of homeowners across the country are reaping the benefits that an advanced HVAC offers. Continue reading to learn more about the numerous benefits that this type of system offers.

Lower Energy Costs

A geoexchange unit typically saves you up to 50 percent as compared to an oil or gas furnace or a heat pump system. A typical 2000 square foot home can be cooled or heated using a geoexchange unit for as little as a dollar a day. Additionally, geoexchange units can supplement a home’s conventional water heater, which can save you as much as 30 percent of your water heating costs.

Geothermal systems only use a small amount of electricity to transfer heat to your home using the thermal heat from the ground. On average, this type of unit will produce four units of energy for every electrical unit needed to power the system. Even the best heating and cooling systems deliver less than one unit of energy for every unit of energy consumed. Homeowners typically receive a 30 to 70 percent savings compared to traditional systems. You can determine how much savings you will reap from a geothermal heating and cooling system by using the savings calculator.

Geothermal Systems are Environmentally Friendly

Geothermal systems are listed as the most cost effective, environmentally friendly heating and cooling system by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Installing a geothermal system is equivalent to removing two cars from the road or planting 750 trees.

Positive Cash flow

Geothermal systems cost more to install than a conventional system due to its buried loop system. Some homeowners consider the installation costs of this system to be too expensive. However, they fail to see the whole savings picture. Geothermal systems will net you lower utility bills and annual maintenance costs. The initial cost of a geothermal system can be financed through low interest financing options. The savings received from a geothermal system will easily cover the cost of this payment and give you extra money in your pocket. Within three to five years, the unit will have paid for itself in the savings your reap.

Free Hot Water Generation

An added bonus of a geothermal system is the ability to produce some or all of the hot water you need at a much higher efficiency than a traditional water heater. When a geothermal system is properly installed, a simple connection will allow the system to deliver hot water to be stored in your hot water tank. Additionally, the heat that is removed from your home when the cooling cycle is run can be deposited into the water heater rather than the ground, providing you with free hot water.

Life Span of the System

Ordinary heating and cooling systems require routine maintenance of the furnace, air conditions and water heater. When a geothermal system is properly installed, little maintenance except for periodic inspection and filter changes are required. Because the geothermal unit is located indoors and out of the weather, the life expectancy of the equipment is prolonged. Most units will last more than 20 years when properly maintained.

Clean and Safe System

Geothermal heating and cooling systems do not use fossil fuels like propane or natural gas, which means no combustion is needed. You will not need to worry about carbon monoxide, fumes, flames or odors with this system.

Installing the system is quite easy and there are numerous companies that can help you. Just ensure they have all the right training and safety gear to do so. Check to see if they’re wearing work clothes such as these from FROutlet and you’ll get an idea whether they’re suitable or not.

Comfort

Geothermal system eliminate hot or cold blasts of air like a conventional system. It also helps to dehumidify the air during the warmer months, resulting in a cool, comfortable home.