Whether you’re building a new home or updating an existing one, choosing the right heating and cooling system is very important. As a renewable alternative that offers ample energy savings, geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are an efficient and effective HVAC system. But is a geothermal system right for you? Here are five reasons why a GHP might be the perfect choice:
1. Your Utility Bills are Driving you Crazy
Gas, electric and oil bills are often some of the largest expenses for homeowners – especially for those living in warm and/or cold climates. If you feel like no matter what you do these utility bills continue to rise it’s probably time for a geothermal system.
For one, geothermal heat pumps require zero fossil fuel burning. Unlike most conventional heating systems, GHPs can completely eliminate gas and oil bills. In addition, GHPs (also referred to as ground source heat pumps) utilize the constant temperature beneath the surface of the Earth to transfer heat to and from a home. This efficient means for heating and cooling allows homeowners to save big on electric bills compared to air-source heat pumps.
Bottom Line: If your utility bills are bogging you down, a geothermal heat pump system can save you up to 50% on heating and cooling costs.
2. You Have Trouble Getting Every Room to a Comfortable Temperature
Do you have trouble pleasing the whole family when it comes to temperature control? For instance, set the temperature too high and your child’s room is comfortable, but your room is burning up; set the temperature too low and your room is comfortable, but your child’s room is an ice box. If this sounds like you, a geothermal heat pump system is probably a great solution.
When sized correctly, geothermal heat pumps do a fantastic job of reliably heating and cooling any building, from small homes to large commercial facilities. Geothermal systems are constant because they distribute comfortable air all year long. When GHPs are heating, you will not experience the hot blasts associated with gas furnaces. When GHPs are cooling, they’ll deliver air at a consistent temperature, no matter what the weather is like outside.
Bottom Line: If your current system is having trouble getting your house to a consistent, comfortable temperature, a geothermal heat pump can help by eliminating hot and cold spots.
3. You Long for a Peaceful and Serene Yard
If you’ve ever dreamt of making your backyard a sanctuary for relaxation; or, if you’ve always wanted to master the art of entertaining – this one’s for you. From perfectly pedicured lawns to the ultimate patio grilling station, beautiful yards take time, money, and effort. What’s one thing that can put a damper on all of it? Noisy air handling units that take up precious space on your picturesque property.
Geothermal heat pump systems can solve this problem. Contrary to conventional systems, GHPs do not use any exposed outdoor equipment. This means no loud fans or compressors crashing your party, plus extra yard space for whatever you see fit. The only outdoor equipment required is the underground piping used to transfer heat to and from the Earth (called the ground loop). Once this pipe is installed beneath your yard, it does not need to be disturbed and can last for up to 75 years! The indoor equipment for GHPs are very quiet – similar to that of a refrigerator.
Bottom Line: GHPs are extremely quiet and can help save space in your yard. After the initial installation of a ground loop, the peaceful and serene happy place you’ve always hoped for is yours for the taking.
Added Bonus: Ground loops make for a great conversation piece! As guests enjoy your yard, remind them that the ground they’re walking on is heating and/or cooling your home.
4. You Want to Do Your Part to Combat Climate Change
Climate change is becoming more apparent as scientists warn about the harmful effects even the smallest increases in temperature can have on our ecosystem. Carbon emissions fuel this change by capturing heat within our atmosphere, causing temperatures to rise. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to decrease your carbon footprint and combat climate change on an individual level – here’s your opportunity.
Geothermal systems require zero fossil fuel burning. No combustion. No fuel. Just the renewable energy beneath the surface of the Earth and electricity for heat transfer. This, combined with their ultra-efficient operation, means you’ll save a substantial amount of carbon emissions, right from your own home!
Bottom Line: Geothermal systems are a great way to make a difference. Because GHPs are extremely energy efficient and require zero fossil fuel burning, they have the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional fossil fuel-based systems.
5. You’re Tired of Worrying About Your HVAC System
Ever get the sinking feeling that you’re out of oil on a snow day? Ever lie awake at night wondering how much longer your HVAC system will hold up? Are you calling the HVAC repair man AGAIN this weekend? With a geothermal system, you don’t have to worry.
Again, GHPs do not use fossil fuel. No more oil tanks to fill or combustion to worry about. They are also relatively simple to operate and require less maintenance and fewer emergency technician calls than traditional HVAC units. To top it off, GHPs have a very long life. The geothermal heat pump itself can last for up to 25 years; the ground loop up to 75 years.
Bottom Line: GHPs are safe, reliable and resilient. Thanks to a combined service life of up to 100 years, simple operation, and the elimination of fossil fuel burning – you’ll rest peacefully knowing your family is comfortable and safe with a geothermal system.
Like with any major purchase, deciding on an HVAC system can be an overwhelming process. We hope we’ve simplified this by helping you to understand the many benefits of geothermal system and when a GHP might be right for you.
If you are still curious about geothermal heat pump systems, we’re here to help! Morrison Geothermal has installed over 4,500 systems throughout central Pennsylvania, in homes ranging from 800 to over 16,000 square feet. We are experts in geothermal and happy answer any questions you might have.
