Geothermal heating systems are being a more common choice for homes across the United States. There is certainly a reason for this spike in popularity. The benefits of geothermal systems are many, and they affect many different parties, including homeowners and the planet itself.
The Prominent Benefits of Geothermal Systems
The list of things we love about geothermal systems is long and thorough. They take the market as the best way to regulate residential temperature.
Energy Efficiency
Perhaps the most evident of the benefits of geothermal systems is their energy efficiency. The structure of a geothermal system takes advantage of the earth’s temperatures approximately 50 below the surface. These remain a pretty consistent 50 to 60°F no matter the time of day or year. This natural phenomenon provides geothermal systems the luxury of only using energy to transfer heat one direction (out of the home in the summer and into it in the winter) instead of using it to regulate temperature more rigidly and circulate it.
It is common for geothermal systems to have an efficiency rating of 300 to 500%, compared to the 95% of the market’s most efficient traditional HVAC systems. That kind of efficiency pays major dividends.
Eco-Friendly
Unlike a traditional HVAC system, one of the benefits of geothermal systems is that they burn no fossil fuels during operation and produce no greenhouse gasses. They also utilize minimal electricity. Truly, geothermal systems are earth-centric not only in name. They are the best option for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint.
Lower Utility Bills
Greater energy efficiency translates to lower energy bills each month, including cooling, heating, and hot water bills. Homeowners with geothermal systems installed enjoy approximately 70% savings on their energy bills than homeowners with traditional HVAC systems.
More Affordable Operation
Utility bills aren’t the only place geothermal owners save money. While the upfront cost is not one of the benefits of geothermal systems, operational cost is. At an efficiency rating of 400%, one system produces four units of energy for every unit of energy produced electrically. The system’s operational efficiency is based on the fact that it primarily transfers heat instead of generating it. Drawing energy from the ground means operation is much more affordable.
Improved Efficiency and Comfort
We’ve explored the financial benefits of geothermal systems pretty thoroughly, but monetary savings aren’t the only advantage. Geothermal systems also work to purify the air and reduce high humidity levels. They do this without cycling air like conventional HVAC systems. This improves indoor air quality (especially important for residents with allergies or asthma) and overall comfort.
Longer, Surer Lifespan
Geothermal systems are pretty straightforward in their design. They have few moving parts, all of which are used during both heating and cooling the home. The systems are also buried underground, far away from the corroding and damaging influences of weather, extreme temperatures, debris, animals, and human error. With this snug protection, a geothermal heat pump usually lasts 20 to 25 years (twice as long as a traditional system), and the loop can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.
Free Hot Water
In addition to all their other benefits, geothermal systems offer a freebie: reliable hot water. The heat reclaimed from geothermal systems during both cooling and heating can be readily captured and used to heat the home’s water. At efficiency rates higher than market water heaters, geothermal systems can provide consistent hot water by 50 to 60%.
Quiet Operation
Traditional air conditioning systems have an outdoor condenser unit that boots up sometimes quite loudly during operation. Geothermal systems have no such problem. With no outdoor condensing units and all the work happening 50 underground, geothermal systems offer much quieter operation, preserving your home as a peaceful place.
Safe Operation
Even more important than quiet summer days is safe operation, and here geothermal systems also take the cake. They do not use combustion to convert energy like conventional furnaces, so the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning is removed. Geothermal systems also steer clear of the open flames of pilot lights, and they do not produce noxious emissions.
Geothermal Installation with Energy Masters
The many benefits of geothermal systems are the reason Energy Masters puts its stamp of approval behind them 100%. While installation is a relatively involved process, we can make it as streamlined as possible for new or existing homes. We can help you find the right size and type of system for your property and take the hassle out of installation. Whether you are building a new home or bringing an existing one up-to-date, we can help you enjoy the benefits of geothermal systems for years to come.
