The Advantages of Geothermal Heat Pumps
Are you ready to go green—and save money at the same time?
Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) allow you to draw on the warm temperature below the earth’s surface. These environmentally friendly systems produce practically no greenhouse emissions, are easy to operate, and are extremely capable of handling all weather conditions.
Plus, several high-efficiency models are eligible for state and federal tax incentives to help offset the installation costs.
Midwest Air Pros offers you an easy and convenient way to connect with a trusted heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company closest to your home. Our directory lists a network of heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Find a pro today through Midwest Air Pros!
How Does Geothermal Work?
Most of us grew up in homes with a furnace and air conditioner (AC). A geothermal heat pump does the job of both these units. It heats your home in the winter and keeps it cool during the summer.
A few feet below the planet’s surface, the temperatures remain a constant 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A geothermal heat pump takes advantage of these favorable temperature conditions.
To install these systems, a closed loop of high-density plastic tubing is buried several feet deep beneath your property. The tubing contains an environmentally friendly antifreeze solution and serves as your heat exchanger.
During the colder months, the fluid in the pipes extracts heat from the earth and transfers it to the heat pump. From there, the heat circulates through ductwork in your home.
The heat pump works like an air conditioner in the summer, removing the heat and humidity from your home and depositing it back into the earth.
Do you live near a pond? You can install the tubing at the bottom of the pond to create a water source heat pump (WSHP) that works in a similar fashion.
Benefits of a Geothermal System
Your biggest benefit is saving money. Heat pumps do not burn fuel. Instead, they use electricity to transfer heat from one area to another. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a geothermal heat pump uses 25 to 50 percent less electricity than conventional HVAC systems.
These systems operate whisper quiet. They have no outdoor condenser units like air conditioners, so you don’t hear them turn on and off. Aside from the comfort, most homeowners won’t even know they’re running!
You can install a geothermal system with new construction or retrofit it with your existing home. These systems also balance the humidity levels inside your home, improving your indoor air quality (IAQ).
A well-maintained heat pump will run efficiently for 20 years or more, while the underground loop will last over 50 years. Once you install the system, you can expect it to stay intact for decades.
Why Switch to Geothermal?
Lot size, topography, soil conditions all play a factor in how well a geothermal system would work on your property. You can install a horizontal loop system or dig deeper with a vertical looping system.
A geothermal system will cost more upfront than conventional heating and system but pays for itself through increased energy savings within 5 to 10 years. Once in place, these systems will keep your home comfortable at an affordable price for decades to come.
If there ever is a problem with the underground tubing, your HVAC specialist can run a gentle dye through the system that pinpoints any leaks. They also can check the antifreeze to ensure it is at the right level.
Learn More About Geothermal Today
Installing a geothermal heat pump adds value and comfort to your home. Find a pro through Midwest Air Pros and schedule a free consultation to determine if geothermal is the right fit for your property. We’re proud to provide a network of services to homes and businesses in Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Springfield, MO, Wichita, KS, and Omaha, NE.