Heating and cooling a home are two of homeowners’ most significant energy expenses. Geothermal systems reduce those costs while reducing carbon footprints.
When selecting a contractor for your geothermal system installation, take your time. It would help if you could avoid dealing with improper design, leaks, or complications with set-up. Choose someone who specializes in the technology.
Energy Savings
Heating and cooling a home are two of the most significant energy expenses. Geothermal systems can cut these costs significantly.
Because they utilize renewable energy from the earth, a geothermal system can help reduce your carbon footprint. They also don’t use fossil fuels, reducing your dependence on a non-renewable resource.
You may qualify for federal tax credits when you install a new geothermal system for your home. These are available through 2032 and can offset 30% of the installation costs.
A qualified contractor will carefully assess your property and landscaping before designing a system that fits your needs. They will also include a detailed proposal showing equipment, layout, and ground loop design. The indoor components typically come with a 25-year warranty, while the outdoor buried loop can last 50 years or more.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Unlike traditional heating and cooling systems, geothermal systems don’t use fossil fuels to function. As such, they don’t have the same immediate and future environmental consequences as extracting and burning natural gas or oil.
Using a water-refrigerant mixture that circulates through an underground pipe network, the system pulls heat from the ground in winter and distributes it through your home’s ductwork. In summer, the system reverses the refrigerant flow to absorb heat from your house and transfer it back to the ground.
The underground loop can last 50 years, and the indoor components only need regular maintenance to operate effectively. Geothermal energy also doesn’t depend on weather conditions like solar or wind, making it a consistent renewable energy source. It’s no wonder geothermal has become the system of choice for many homeowners.
Increased Home Value
Installing a geothermal system depends on your preferences and whether you can afford the initial investment. If you can and plan to stay in your home for years, the energy/cost savings will easily cover the initial costs.
A geothermal system is a great selling point if you decide to sell. Buyers are drawn to homes that will save them money over time, and heating and cooling expenses are one of most houses’ most significant energy bills.
However, a geothermal system can raise the value of your home only if similar homes in your area also have this upgrade. Finding comparable “comps” can be difficult, so the potential increase in home value is more minor than you might think. Still, the long-term benefits are worth it for many homeowners.
Increased Home Comfort
In contrast to alternative fossil fuel-based heating systems, geothermal systems don’t emit CO2, eliminating the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning and oil leaks because they utilize the earth’s steady temperature and require less energy to keep your home comfortable.
Underground pipes called loops are buried on your property and circulate a water-based solution. This liquid absorbs the ground’s heat and carries it back to your geothermal system, where it’s heated or cooled.
An excellent geothermal contractor will ask about your climate control needs and goals. They should also give you a detailed proposal with a layout of your underground loop and how it will be installed. If you’re building a new home, they can finish the work before builders pour your slab foundation.
Easy Maintenance
Geothermal systems use a network of underground pipes to draw heat from the ground in winter and dissipate excess heat in summer. This heat is then delivered to the indoor heat pump system through ductwork for temperature regulation.
While the initial cost of a geothermal system can seem high, it will pay itself off within 5-7 years through reduced energy bills. In addition, the federal energy tax credit and possible local rebates can significantly reduce upfront costs.
Compared to traditional HVAC equipment, the underground loop system is a one-time installation that requires little maintenance. However, it is essential to periodically check the condensate drain for clogs and debris, just like with your air conditioning unit. Additionally, it is recommended that homeowners use a professional geothermal contractor to ensure proper installation and quality of work.
