Geothermal Heating: More Efficient for You & Better for the Environment
Considered a clean and sustainable source of power, geothermal energy refers to the internal heat that is contained in the rock and fluids beneath the earth’s crust. Humans have been using geothermal energy to their advantage since ancient times, and today a geothermal system can heat and cool your home in place of a natural gas system. Geothermal systems are among the most efficient and environmentally conscious heat pumps you can purchase. Here’s everything you need to know about geothermal home systems:
How They Work
No matter what climate you live in, the temperature throughout the year varies. However, the temperature below ground (regardless of climate or season) stays fairly consistent all year.
The ground is able to maintain a higher rate of temperature consistency because it absorbs 47% of the sun’s energy (heat) as it hits the Earth’s surface. Geothermal systems are able to tap into this free energy with an earth loop. This technology is then used to provide your home with central heating and cooling.
Geothermal Heating
During the heating cycle, a geothermal heat pump uses the earth loop to extract heat from the ground. As the system pulls heat from the loop it distributes it through a conventional duct system as warm air. The same heat energy can also be used for a radiant floor system or domestic hot water heating.
Geothermal Cooling
In the cooling mode, the heating process is reversed – creating cool, conditioned air throughout the home. Instead of extracting heat from the ground, heat is extracted from the air in your home and either moved back into the earth loop or used to preheat the water in your hot water tank.
Benefits of a Geothermal System
- Lower Operating Costs – A geothermal system operates more efficiently than ordinary heating and air conditioning systems because it can deliver five units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. By combining stored earth energy with safe electric power, many owners realize energy savings up to 70% for heating, cooling, and hot water.
- Enhanced Comfort – A good geothermal system provides precise distribution of comfortable air all year long, eliminating hot spots and cold spots. During heating, you’ll experience warm air without the hot blasts associated with ordinary gas furnaces, or the cooler air of an air source heat pump. Additionally, when cooling, a good geothermal system delivers cool, dehumidified air.
- Reliability – Unlike air conditioners and heat pumps, geothermal systems are installed indoors, so they are not subject to wear and tear caused by rain, snow, ice, debris, extreme temperatures, or vandalism. Geothermal systems have proven to be very reliable and require less maintenance. The ground loop components of a geothermal heating and cooling system can last up to 50 years!
- Environmentally Friendly – According to the Department of Energy and the EPA, geothermal systems are the most environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home.
Are you ready for better efficiency, substantial energy savings, and a “greener” home overall? Pioneer Heating & Air Conditioning is a WaterFurnace GeoPro Master Dealer. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about Geothermal Energy Systems. Contact us today!
