Advantages of Geothermal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said geothermal systems are, “the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today.” The Union of Concerned Scientists has said “ground-source heat pumps are the most energy-efficient and environmentally clean heating and cooling systems available.” Here are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a geothermal system for your home.
Financial Benefits
- Lowering monthly utility bills. A geothermal system can reduce a home’s heating, cooling, and hot water bill up to 80%.
- Avoiding fossil fuel price spikes. The winter of 2014 saw cold temperatures, low supply and record demand that meant substantial price increases and delays in delivering propane.
- Geothermal systems use electricity, which means homes with geothermal avoid rate spikes that homes heating with fossil fuels currently experience.
- Long system life. Geothermal systems have a track record of running with little maintenance for decades. One example is this system that has ran for over 37 years. A number of geothermal manufacturers back the geothermal loop pipe with 50-year warranties.
- The latest generation of geothermal heat pumps produce free excess heat that can be used to supplement a home’s hot water supply.
- Increase home resale value. Energy-efficient HVAC systems like geothermal increase a home’s property value.
- Decrease home sale time. Energy-efficient HVAC systems like geothermal make a home more attractive to potential buyers.
Environmental Benefits
- Improved energy efficiency = smaller carbon footprint. Geothermal systems are 400-600% efficient, whereas traditional heating and cooling methods range from 80-98% efficiency. Geothermal systems can greatly shrink your carbon footprint.
- Use a clean, renewable energy source. Geothermal heating and cooling systems use the renewable energy stored beneath the earth’s surface to make heating and cooling more efficient and easier.
Geothermal systems use electricity, not fossil fuels, which are subject to big price increases and fluctuations. - Being a net zero energy home. Geothermal heat pumps can lower your energy use to the level that they make becoming a net zero energy home possible. Net zero energy is generally defined as producing as much energy as the building consumes on an annual basis. The lower a building’s energy use means it’s easier to be a net zero home, and geothermal systems are proven to lower energy use better than any other heating and cooling system.
Health Benefits
- Quiet heating and cooling. Geothermal systems are much quieter than traditional heating and cooling systems as they do not require noisy outdoor units with fans.
- Breathe easier by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike furnaces that burn oil fuel, propane or natural gas, geothermal heat pumps do not burn carbon emitting fossil fuels to produce heat. That means no dangerous carbon monoxide and gas leaks.
- Pride from using the most technologically advanced heating and cooling systems in your home. Similar to this recent story, many geothermal homeowners have said their neighbors are envious at what they are saving on monthly energy bills. Many geothermal manufacturers are including the latest in variable-speed technology and smart features.
Environmental Benefits
- High initial cost. Installing a geothermal system usually costs more than installing a traditional heating and cooling system. However, after factoring in the 30% geothermal federal tax rebate, any available local utility rebates, and the savings in monthly energy bills that accompany geothermal systems, the time to recoup your investment is usually three to five years. After you have recouped your investment, the potential savings on monthly utility bills continues for years to come due to the longer life expectancy of the system.
- Get a free estimate by entering your information here and Comfortworks will contact you, or use an online geothermal saving's calculator for a general idea.
- Temporary lawn disruption. When the geothermal loop is installed into the ground, there can be an amount of dirt moving on your property. Any lawn disruption is temporary, while the benefits of geothermal can last a lifetime.
- Geothermal isn’t well known. Unlike other great renewable energies, like solar panels, no one sees geothermal because the loop is buried in the ground. As a result, the technology isn’t as widely recognized or understood. So for anyone considering a better heating and cooling system, a little education of what geothermal is and how it works is required.