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Everything You Need to Know About Geothermal HVAC Technology

Geothermal HVAC

Geothermal HVAC systems, also called ground-source heat pumps, are an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly way to heat and cool your home. They’re an excellent investment in your comfort, and their affordable operating costs make them a smart choice. Here are five things you need to know about choosing a geothermal HVAC system for your home in Easley, SC:

Works in Every Climate

A geothermal HVAC system works in any climate. The United States Department of Energy explains that more than 50% of new geothermal heat pump installations are in areas with extreme weather. They can be used anywhere because the Earth’s temperature six feet below the soil surface is remarkably consistent. It’s a balmy 50 to 55 degrees year-round, no matter whether the air temperature is 0 or 100 degrees. The system’s pump transfers heat between your home and the Earth, taking advantage of the constant moderate temperature.

Choose from Two Installation Options

Geothermal HVAC technology gives you two installation options. The first is a closed-loop. About 85% of geothermal heat pumps are closed-loop systems. They consist of buried PVC pipes. The pipes can be buried in a horizontal configuration or a vertical layout. If you choose the horizontal configuration, the pipes will be buried about six feet below the soil. If you select a vertical closed-loop system, the pipes will be buried up to 600 feet deep. Your property’s soil, any nearby bodies of water and local guidelines may play a role in choosing vertical versus horizontal closed-loop systems. An open-loop system uses a local body of water, such as a pond or well, for exchanging heat with the Earth.

Long Lifespan

The outdoor parts of a geothermal HVAC system have a life expectancy of 50 years. This includes the pipes buried below the soil. For the indoor components, the average lifespan is 25 years. An air-source heat pump’s average lifespan is 12 years, so a geothermal system lasts for two to four times as long as an air-source system. If you plan to live in your home for a long time, a geothermal heat pump is an excellent investment. Although you’ll pay more upfront for the installation costs, you’ll save money in the longer term.

Optimize Energy Efficiency

Geothermal HVAC systems are up to 65% more energy-efficient than an air-source heat pump. Most of the energy the system uses for heating or cooling your home is renewable. It comes directly from the Earth’s consistent soil temperature. For every unit of electricity the geothermal heat pump uses, it produces 3.5 to 4.5 units of heat. They average 400% efficient. In comparison, a furnace that burns fossil fuels is typically 80 to 90% efficient. Most new geothermal HVAC systems offer a digital meter. You can watch the meter to see how much electricity the system is using to heat or cool your home.

Lower Carbon Emissions

The technology used in geothermal HVAC systems reduces your home’s carbon emissions. For every hour your geothermal heat pump runs, it emits one pound less carbon compared to a furnace or air conditioning system. Over the system’s lifespan, it’ll produce 11 metric tons less carbon into the environment. That’s like removing three cars or planting 1,000 acres of trees. You’ll feel confident knowing that you’re doing your part in helping protect the environment. Geothermal heat pumps don’t emit carbon monoxide. This means you won’t have to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. Not only will the environment be cleaner and healthier, but so will your home.

Geothermal HVAC systems are environmentally-friendly, cost-effective and reliable. They’ve been in use for decades, and they’re growing in popularity because of their dependability and affordable operating costs. If you install a geothermal heat pump, it may be the only heating and cooling system you ever need to install at your home. To learn more about geothermal HVAC systems, call McGee Heating & Air Inc. today.

Image provided by Thinkstock

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