A case for geothermal
Regardless of the weather or season, the ground temperature is a consistent 55º. The ground beneath our feet is cooler than the summer air temperature and warmer than the winter air temperature, so using geothermal as a heat source allows the ground heat to be transferred to and from your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the geothermal system is the most environmentally clean, cost effective, and energy efficient space conditioning system available.
The geothermal system is more efficient than traditional systems because the system doesn’t have to work as hard to achieve its set temperature, thereby saving you money. Where a fossil fuel furnace may be 78-90 percent efficient, a geothermal heat pump is about 400 percent efficient. Also, this does not take into account the benefit of the free hot water during the summer months and the low maintenance and long life expectancy. Homeowners can expect to save 40 to 70 percent in heating costs and 30 to 50 percent in cooling costs compared to conventional systems. Geothermal heating and cooling systems not only save money on energy bills but also help create a better world. Through the use of sustainable energy sources, the warmth of the earth by the sun, geothermal helps conserve our planet’s non-renewable reserves of fossil fuels.
The initial investment of a geothermal system is normally greater than a conventional system. However, when you consider the operating cost for the heating, cooling, hot water, the federal tax credit, and potential utility rebates, this quickly offsets the initial difference in purchase price.
Give one of Maeser’s Home Comfort Consultants a call to learn all the details of a geothermal system and how you can take advantage of the earth to heat and cool your home.