Choosing a Geothermal Heating System
Like homeowners everywhere, here in the Mills River, North Carolina, area, we look for ways to cool and heat our homes efficiently. The summers are beautiful and fun in this coastal area, but the winters can be brutally cold, too. Geothermal heating systems have become a more popular way to stay comfortable at an affordable price.
But what is geothermal heating exactly? A geothermal heating system also works as a cooling system. It is an energy-efficient system that utilizes the natural stable ground temperature to warm your home in the winter and cool your home in the summer. A geothermal heating system is an energy-efficient solution, with the system itself in the ground and a heat pump in your basement or garage.
The geothermal heat system’s pipes are buried approximately 300 feet, absorbing the sun’s heat from the ground. A liquid in the pipes then distributes that heat throughout your home through vents, just as a standard HVAC system would.
Can you cool your house with geothermal systems?
Yes, that liquid is cooled below the surface during the summer and then sends the cooled air through your home. So, how much land do you need for geothermal? This is always a concern for any homeowner; nobody wants their entire lawn dedicated to cooling and heating their home! And it doesn’t take much space either! So, how deep do you dig for geothermal heating? A geothermal heating system installation requires a four to six-inch diameter wide area where a three to 500-foot loop will be installed below the surface. Like other means for power development, geothermal energy must also be produced and developed. The plants for geothermal heating systems don’t use as much land as coal and nuclear power plants, and what land they do use, the environmental impact is minimal.
What are the benefits of geothermal heating?
Like any new technology, the upfront cost is usually the worst part, and a geothermal heating system isn’t any different. But once you get past that initial cost, you can expect the following benefits:
- Eco-Friendly: A geothermal heating system is an environmentally friendly way to heat your home because it doesn’t produce carbon monoxide or greenhouse gasses, minimizing your contribution to air pollution and carbon footprint.
- Affordable Operation: Thanks to the technology used, once your geothermal heating system is installed, you’ll start saving money on its operation. A geothermal heating system offers a 400% efficiency rating and creates four units of energy for every electrically produced energy. Because it doesn’t burn fuel to create heat, it transfers heat from the earth. Homeowners have seen savings of up to seventy percent on utilities!
- Cash Flow: A geothermal heating system will pay for itself over a 3—to 5-year period. However, with the government tax credits, you could see a positive cash flow sooner than that!
- Lifespan Cost: Is geothermal better than the standard HVAC system? Yes, starting with a longer lifespan. The standard HVAC system typically needs replacing within 15 years or sooner, depending on the quality of the equipment and the maintenance schedule. In comparison, how long does a geothermal system last? With a geothermal heating system, they will last longer because they aren’t exposed to the climate and environment outside, like ice, rain, and snow. The indoor components consist of a compressor, fan, and pump that have a lifespan of 10 years or more, and the underground portion can last for generations.
- Quiet Operation: A geothermal heating system has no outdoor condensing unit, and the indoor components operate quietly.
- Safety: Geothermal heating systems are safe and clean to operate because no combustion is involved. No fear of carbon monoxide poisoning with this renewable energy way of heating your home.
- Increased Comfort: A geothermal heating system offers air purification and dehumidification, improving the air quality of your home. Because it isn’t recycling the air, there are fewer concerns or threats to your home’s indoor air quality.
Will a geothermal heating system raise my heating bill?
Because a geothermal heating system uses electricity, there is a concern that the electrical bill will increase. However, the electric bill for cooling will be less in the summer months, which will balance out the electrical cost during the winter.
At what temperature does geothermal keep your house?
It will keep your home toasty warm in the winter because it is not pulling in cold air and heating it like a heat pump system. It is pulling the heat from the core of the earth, where it stays hot constantly! Set your winter thermostat to a warm 72 degrees, and you’ll have a warm 72-degree home!
So – At the End Of The Day
Is a geothermal system worth it? Well, that will be your decision, but we can tell you that you can save money on your energy bills with a geothermal heating system. You’ll have an upfront out-of-pocket expense, but the payback of lower bills will offset that quickly!