Geothermal Residential Heating and Cooling

What Is Geothermal?

In terms of a residential system, geothermal refers to a process that uses heat from the Earth to heat or cool the home. This is alternative to using fuel. Drawing from heat sources several feet underground, a geothermal pump is used to filter this underground air, which is usually warmer during winter months and colder during summer months.

Two basic geothermal systems can be installed into residential structures. They are the closed-loop geothermal heat pump, which has a horizontal or vertical pipe that act as a heat exchanger for water to move heat from the ground into the system; and the open-loop system, which uses water pumped from a well (or another source of groundwater), through the heat exchanger system and back to whatever source it originated from. It is important to note that the former is the more popular of the two because it is much more versatile than the latter system.

Why Utilize a Geothermal Residential Heating and Cooling System

There are so many benefits to using a geothermal system, it is hard to know where to begin. Here are some reasons why installing this type of heating and cooling system in your home is not just about preserving the environment. Benefits include: • You can install a geothermal system in new and existing buildings. In most cases, this reduces the cost of maintenance and allows an opportunity to move away from conventional heating and cooling systems, which means less-frequent noise and maintenance. • Most of the time, the utility company will offer a special rate for organizations using a geothermal system. • A geothermal system works best in any region or climate, however, they are most effective (in terms of cost and efficiency) in places where temperature fluctuations are great or large amounts of space must be heated or cooled.

FAQs About Geothermal

• What is a geothermal heat pump?
  • A geothermal heat pump (GHP) is the tool used within the system to actually transfer heat from one source to another. This usually means from the ground, into your system and thereby your home.
• What is the difference between geothermal systems and traditional sources of heating and cooling?
  • Traditional systems rely on burning fuel, usually at a power plant. This creates harmful emissions into the environment. Geothermal residential heating and cooling systems draw directly from the Earth’s natural sources of heating and cooling, making it the more environmentally friendly option.
• Is this method of heating and cooling sanctioned by the U.S. government?
  • Most geothermal heat pumps do have the Energy Star branding, given by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.
• What is the price difference between my traditional heating and cooling system and the geothermal variety?
  • A geothermal system runs you an average of $2,500 for each ton of capacity, with most units containing about three tons. This system will usually last about 20 to 30 years and does not require much maintenance throughout its life. Conventional systems can start at $4,000 and range up from there.
• How much can I expect to save on my energy bill?
  • Geothermal systems use about 25-50% less energy than a regular system. This translates to a monthly savings of at least $30 up to $70 each month. With these systems, the geothermal system essentially pays for itself in a matter of a few years. After that point, the savings translate to more money in homeowner’s pocket.