Is Geothermal Right for You?

With a difficult economy, many people are looking for ways to save money and stretch every dollar. You may have seen geothermal mentioned as way to save money in your quest to do the same. What exactly is geothermal and how can it help you?
First, it helps to clarify what we mean by geothermal in a residential setting. Geothermal energy production is the process of capturing heat from very hot spots in the earth and converting this energy to electricity. Generally, it is only suitable for large applications. In contrast, a geothermal ground source heat pump helps you to use electricity more efficiently. It does not, however, create electricity. When discussing geothermal for residential use, it is this concept that is being addressed in almost all instances -- you might be an exception if you live next to a volcano.
Basically, a geothermal heat pump pushes water or antifreeze through a lattice of high-density polyethylene pipes installed in your yard. The pipes are generally buried about five feet below the surface and are looped back and forth over a large area. The typical home will need between 1,000 and 2,200 feet of pipe. If you have a small yard the loops can be run vertically but this greatly increases the cost of the system. During the winter, the water or antifreeze circulates within the pipes, captures the Earth's heat and brings it back to your home. Once inside, a compressor and a heat exchanger aggregate the energy and transfer it for distribution via ductwork like a traditional furnace. The system works in reverse during the summer. The heat in your home is transferred to the pipes where the heat is absorbed by the Earth. This process works in much the same way a refrigerator functions.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heat pumps are the most energy efficient systems for heating and cooling. This greater efficiently translates into a 30% to 40% cost savings -- with some people reporting even greater savings.
Before jumping into the geothermal arena, it helps to assess how long you will remain in your home. The up front cost for a heat pump system is pricey when compared to a traditional HVAC system and staying long term helps recoup this cost. A typical system will cost about $2,500 per geothermal ton with the average house needing two or three tons. This translates into $5,000 to $7,500. The cost for excavating or drilling is an additional cost which can range from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the difficulty and needs for your particular situation. Thus, a pre-geothermal home with a $200 per month electric bill would require about fifteen years to recoup the installation costs. This example assumes a $15,000 complete install cost with a 40% savings after the system is operational. Typically, there are state and federal tax credits available to help blunt the installation costs. In short, if you intend to move soon, a geothermal unit does not make economic sense.
However, there are additional reasons to consider a geothermal heat pump. First, it is much more environmentally sound. By utilizing the Earth's natural heat, you are reducing your usage of coal or nuclear power and their attendant pollution problems. Second, geothermal systems are mechanically more simple than standard HVAC systems. As a result, maintenance costs are much less as there are fewer parts to break or malfunction. Finally, the system is much quieter than a standard heating and cooling system.
If you intend to stay in your home for a few years, a geothermal system is a great economic move and a wonderful conversation piece. Hopefully, you can install a system soon!!!


Learn more about Geothermal Heat by visiting www.nothernairplumbing.com today!

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Article independently authored by Matthew Eddington. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Northern Air Plumbing & Heating.