Geothermal systems are some of the best and most efficient heating and cooling systems on the market today. There’s really no comparison when you try to look at other heating or cooling systems in those categories. The only thing that prevents them from being the prime choice for most homeowners is the fact that they’re much more expensive than other heating and cooling units. A gas furnace is just always going to cost less to install than geothermal heating in Cedar Rapids, IA, but for customers that might have the disposable income now, we’d recommend a geothermal system.
This blog is going to focus on some of the unique aspects of this technology. We first want to talk a bit about how geothermal HVAC systems work. Then, we’ll move on to discuss why they’re so efficient and long-lasting when compared to other HVAC technology.
Don’t just take our word for it. Let the science speak for itself!
Geothermal: How It Works
Let’s start with the basics. The term geothermal refers to two different things. Geo is the scientific prefix used to describe the earth, and thermal means heat. Basically, this system uses the ambient heat energy from right beneath the earth’s crust to keep your home comfortable without using too much energy.
The way it does this is two-fold. First, water lines are drilled and set up underneath your home on your property. These lines go deep enough underground to where temperatures stay relatively consistent, between 40°-50°. Then, the water lines are hooked up to ground-sourced heat pumps that use that heat to transfer it into (or out of) your home.
By combining the ground lines with the heat pump systems, a geothermal heating and cooling unit can easily use mild underground temperatures to keep your home warm or cool all year round.
Hyper Efficiency
Now, let’s get into the good stuff. How is a geothermal system so energy efficient? Well, it has to do with the temperature underground.
Heat pumps have an easier time transferring heat when there’s more of it. Underground, temperatures are as mild as they can get. This means that there’s always a well of heat energy right beneath your home no matter what the weather outside might be like. On the coldest days or during the hottest heatwaves, a geothermal system still has access to thermal energy it can use to keep you comfortable. This uses minimal amounts of electrical energy for a seriously huge return in comfort.
Air-sourced heat pumps, on the other hand, have to draw heat or deposit it through the atmosphere, which can be a lot less reliable.
Sustainable, Long-Term Comfort
Geothermal systems are favorite among climate-conscious people looking for long-term solutions. The reasons for this are simple.
From an environmental perspective, geothermal HVAC systems use such a minimal amount of electrical energy that they can cut your bills down considerably for a long time, and can even work with solar panels to reduce your home’s dependence on conventional energy sources.
This technology also lasts a long time. The underground pipes last up to 50 years before new ones need to be put in, and the heat pumps last between 10-15 years before they need to be replaced. Overall, you’ll be set for a long time to reap the benefits of such a system.
Now might be the time to make the switch!
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.