Top 5 Benefits of Installing a Geothermal System
Looking for a highly efficient, long-lasting heating and cooling system? Your best option may be under your feet!
Geothermal systems consist of an indoor geothermal heat pump and an underground heat exchanger that works year-round, no matter how hot or cold the air is above the earth’s surface.
Geothermal systems are gaining in popularity for that and other reasons. Our expert team at Knueve & Sons, Inc. believes geothermal is generally a good fit for environmentally conscious homeowners who want an efficient HVAC system that significantly shrinks their carbon footprint. However, it may not work for every budget and backyard.
Before we recommend installing a geothermal system at your Ottawa home, we thoroughly assess your backyard space, home, and heating and cooling needs. We want you to know what geothermal entails, how it works, and how it would benefit your household.
How Geothermal Systems Work
While some air-source heat pumps struggle to operate efficiently in extreme hot and cold weather, a geothermal system takes advantage of the mild temperature a few feet below ground. The temperature ranges from approximately 40° to 70° Fahrenheit, making it the perfect environment for geothermal heat exchangers, called loops, to collect heat in the winter and release it in the summer.
Loops consist of heavy-duty plastic piping filled with liquid, typically a mix of water and nontoxic antifreeze buried underground vertically or in a horizontal pattern. Horizontal loops need a few hundred square feet of backyard space and require excavating a trench about six feet below the surface. Vertical loops are more compact and take up less backyard space because they do not spread horizontally. However, their installation requires drilling a few hundred feet underground.
During the summer, the indoor unit draws heat from the air in your home and sends it via the liquid in the piping underground, where the loop expels it. In cold weather, the loop draws heat from underground and sends it to your home.
Geothermal installations are far more complicated than air-source heat pumps or furnace installations but provide more benefits. Here are five:
- Geothermal Offers Exceptional Energy Efficiency According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), geothermal heat pumps use 25 to 50 percent less electricity than conventional systems.
AHRI also notes that geothermal systems can maintain indoor humidity at 50 percent, making them effective in humid areas.
When considering efficiency, remember that the Coefficient of Performance (COP) measures heating efficiency, and the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures cooling efficiency.
The higher the number, the better the efficiency. For example, a COP of four or five means the system can produce four or five units of heat for every unit of electricity it consumes.
Geothermal systems are known for their energy efficiency. They consume less energy than HVAC units that burn fossil fuels because they transfer heat rather than create heat through combustion. Geothermal systems can cost two or three times more than conventional systems, but savings on energy bills can offset the high installation price.
- Geothermal Is Gentle on the Environment Geothermal systems use a renewable energy source and are renowned for being eco-friendly. They are a sustainable choice for heating and cooling and contribute to a smaller carbon footprint.
They do not emit greenhouse gasses, and their environmental track record exceeds that of more conventional HVAC systems.
- Geothermal Systems Have Longer Service Lives Geothermal systems offer a long-term solution for heating and cooling in your home. They have longer service lives than other HVAC equipment.
Air-source heat pumps typically last up to 15 years. Gas furnaces become less reliable and may need frequent repair after 20 years. Geothermal heat pumps last 25 years or more with routine maintenance. The loops come with warranties for 50 years or more.
- Geothermal Requires Little Maintenance Geothermal systems typically require less maintenance than other HVAC systems. Unlike air-source heat pumps and air conditioners, which operate outdoors, geothermal units are protected from the elements and extreme temperatures. The loop is buried underground, and the geothermal heat pump is installed indoors. They do not experience wear from weather and temperatures.
Geothermal systems typically have fewer moving parts than conventional HVAC units, which reduces the possibility of breakdowns.
However, geothermal systems require some regular inspection. The indoor unit includes an air filter that should be replaced every few months to prevent dust from entering the unit and prevent airflow restriction.
An HVAC professional should inspect the system annually for leaks, signs of damage, poor electrical connections, loop fluid level, and performance.
Our pros at Knueve & Sons are geothermal installation, repair, and maintenance experts. We can keep your geothermal system running at peak efficiency.
- Geothermal Adds to Your Home Value Installing a geothermal system can enhance the value of your home and become a significant selling point if you decide to sell your residence.
Zillow’s 2021 Consumer Housing Trends Report found that 67 percent of buyers say energy efficiency in a home is important. It also notes that homes with features that reduce monthly energy bills can help a home sell faster and sometimes for more money.
Consider Geothermal for Your Ottawa, Home
At Knueve & Sons , we provide our customers with the latest advancements in HVAC technology, including cutting-edge geothermal systems. Our team of experienced technicians can assess your home’s geothermal suitability and guide you through the entire process. Call us at 419-532-3699 or request-service-online for a consultation.