Posted: November 14, 2021 at 10:50 am
By: Lakes Region HVAC
Homeowners are becoming increasingly concerned with rising energy costs and environmental impact. When you consider that more than half of the energy American households use every year is dedicated to heating and cooling, it makes sense that is where homeowners are looking to save. Geothermal heat pumps are becoming the best energy-efficient choice for residential, commercial and municipal buildings.
Just a few feet below the Earth’s surface is a near-constant temperature of about 55°F. Instead of using energy to heat and cool the air in your home, heat is transferred to your home in the winter and from your home in the summer.
A geothermal system consists of a heat pump, that sits inside your home (typically where the furnace used to reside) and underground pipes, called ground loops, installed just a few feet below the surface of the ground.
Geothermal heating and cooling systems use free, renewable energy from the earth instead of fossil fuels. They do not produce any carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gasses making it a very eco-friendly option for homeowners. They also have a low electricity demand which saves energy and lowers your bills.
Geothermal systems do not require outdoor condensing units and the indoor components are designed to run quietly making about as much noise as an average refrigerator.
Upfront costs for installation are more expensive than a traditional heating and cooling system, but homeowners recoup the additional costs in energy savings in 5-10 years. Geothermal systems can reduce energy consumption by 25-50% compared to their air source heat pump counterparts. The inside components for a geothermal system tend to last around 25 years while the ground loop usually lasts 50+ years. According to energy.gov, conventional systems can be up to 95% efficient while geothermal systems have efficiency ratings of 300-600%.
Geothermal heat pumps provide consistent comfort throughout the year. An added benefit is that the cooled air in the summer is naturally dehumidified. Since geothermal systems do not recycle air or use outdoor air, there are fewer chances of allergens recirculating throughout the house and for outside contaminants to enter your home. This improved indoor air quality benefits everyone, especially those with allergies or asthma.
An added benefit to geothermal systems is the heat reclaimed during operation can be captured and used to heat the water for your home. This can reduce water heating costs by 50-60%.
Geothermal heating and cooling systems can be installed in new construction or retrofitted for existing properties. For proper sizing, installation and more information make sure to choose an experienced, knowledgeable and quality HVAC contractor.
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Have another question? Contact the Lakes Region team, and we’ll find your solution.
Our clients are homeowners, small business owners, and corporations—and one could be you by calling 603-286-2290 or emailing info@lrhvac.com.
Lakes Region’s expert service technicians and installers are trained in the latest advancements in heating and cooling technologies. We'll help you select the correct comfort system for your home, ensuring that your equipment operates at the highest efficiency — giving you the lowest monthly operating cost.
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