Suppose you live in an area that gets cold and stays that way for a good chunk of the year. In that case, you likely know that the cost of geothermal heating and cooling systems is one of the primary reasons why so many people turn down the thermostat and huddle under blankets until spring arrives.
A geothermal heat pump is an excellent long-term way for homeowners to save money on heating and cooling costs. However, installing geothermal heat pumps requires a big investment upfront, just like any other big project.
Geothermal heat pump systems are almost always a financial win when you consider how much money you’ll spend on your heating and cooling system over its lifetime. At first glance, geothermal systems appear to be prohibitively expensive. However, the initial costs of geothermal heat pumps are still significantly lower than the ongoing operational costs of other heating and cooling systems.
Read on to learn how geothermal heating can save you money in the long run!
What Is A Geothermal Heat Pump And How Does It Work?
A geothermal heat pump is a system that efficiently moves heat around your home. It can transfer warmth from the ground or water in your backyard using ground-source heat pumps and a network of underground pipes flowing into your house’s heating system. The same system can also remove warmth from inside your home and transfer it back outside via a heat exchanger and a network of water hoses.
As you probably guessed, this process uses a lot of energy. But because it’s highly efficient, geothermal heat pumps are a great way to warm your home at a low cost.
A geothermal system does more than transfer heat from the ground to your home. It also transfers heat from your home to the water hoses outside. This warmth is transferred to the ground by the water.
This process cools down your house and reduces the need for your air conditioning system. This helps the system avoid overheating your home during the warm summer months. It also reduces the energy the system needs to function, meaning you can achieve the same level of warmth in your home at a lower cost than other heating systems.
If a geothermal heat pump is in “winter” mode, it does the opposite. It moves warmth from the ground into your home. This process warms up your home and reduces the need for your furnace.
The Benefits Of Geothermal Heating And Cooling
Geothermal heating and cooling systems use a resource that can be used repeatedly to heat and cool your home efficiently.
While other heating and cooling systems can use various energy sources, they all emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. On the other hand, geothermal heat pumps use a constant supply of warmth in the ground to heat your home. And they use the continuous supply of warmth in your home to cool it down.
They are also extremely efficient. They outperform even the most efficient air-source heating systems! Geothermal heat pumps are, in fact, the most efficient type of heating system available.
In addition to being extremely efficient, geothermal systems are also very durable. They’re resistant to corrosion and other damage caused by extreme temperatures. They also have a longer lifespan than other heating systems. This makes them considerably more cost-effective over the long term.
So, How Can Geothermal Heating Save You Money?
If you’re considering installing a geothermal heat pump, the biggest question you have right now is “How much will it cost?” In most cases, the upfront investment for a geothermal heating system is far more than what you’ll pay for an air-source heat pump. So how does geothermal heat make up for the extra cost?
First, remember that a geothermal system uses much less electricity than an air-source heating system, as highlighted above. You’ll make up the difference in upfront costs very quickly. The real savings come in the long term.
An air-source heat pump system uses a fixed amount of energy to heat your home. The more you heat your home, the more money you’ll spend. Geothermal systems, on the other hand, prioritize energy efficiency and only consume a variable amount of energy. They use a ground source heat pump that draws warmth from the ground or water when your home needs heat.
They also pump warmth into your home when it’s cold outside. This constant exchange of heat means that a geothermal system uses less energy than an air-source heat pump.
How Do You Know If A Geothermal Heating System Will Work For You?
If you’re still trying to figure out whether or not you need a geothermal heating system, these tips should help you decide.
You must first determine whether or not a geothermal heating system is available in your area. To function correctly, geothermal heat pumps require a particular set of conditions. They need to be within 30 feet of a ground or water source. They also require a thick layer of soil that is mineral-rich and permeable.
If these conditions are met, you can proceed with the investment.
You should also think about where you live. Geothermal systems are most common in areas with cold winters, moderate snowfall, and frozen ground in the winter. If these conditions are met, you may be able to install a geothermal heat pump.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to heating your home, there are various options. Traditional methods like natural gas and oil are still popular but aren’t the only ways to keep your house warm. Many homeowners are turning to newer technologies like geothermal heating as an affordable way to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer without breaking the bank.
As you might have learned, geothermal heating uses natural heat from the ground to heat your home. It’s affordable and environmentally friendly—not to mention that you could save money on utility bills if you install it correctly.
If all of these conditions are met, you can proceed. So, if this sounds like something you’re interested in, give Home Comfort Inc. a call today to schedule an appointment!
