The Benefits of Geothermal Systems for Homeowners
Geothermal systems are one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems you can have in your home, and they’re becoming more common all the time. But what exactly are geothermal systems? What benefits can geothermal systems give homeowners? Read on for the answers to these questions and more, brought to you by the HVAC professionals at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling.
What Is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy is heat derived from harnessing the earth’s heat from underground. Not far beneath the earth’s surface, the temperature remains constant, as opposed to the seasonal temperature swings that occur above ground. Water and steam carry the geothermal energy to the earth’s surface, which can be used for heating and cooling purposes.
A geothermal comfort system for heating and cooling your home puts this technology to work by means of a geothermal heat pump that is buried underground. Geothermal piping is buried deep in the ground, either vertically or horizontally, depending on the yard size of the home. Geothermal heat pumps can also harness heat from bodies of water, such as a pond or lake, or can use groundwater from a well, depending on what is available on the property.
Environmental Impact
Geothermal energy does not burn a fuel source and therefore does not release emissions, making it a clean and renewable energy source for heating and cooling your home. By tapping into the renewable energy beneath the earth’s surface homeowners can save money and reduce their carbon footprint. For heating and cooling a home or business, these systems are considered the most environmentally friendly. EnergyStar rated and approved by the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal systems are becoming an increasingly popular choice of homeowners for heating and cooling.
Types of Geothermal Systems
Geothermal systems can be closed-loop or open-loop. Closed-loop geothermal systems circulate liquid through a “loop system” of small-diameter, underground pipes. These pipes can be installed horizontally, vertically or in a pond. In open-loop systems, heat is transferred to or from your home using either a well or surface water, providing comfortable temperatures to your home year round, regardless of the outside temperatures. The majority of geothermal installations in the Kansas City area are a vertical, closed-loop system, where we drill deep into the ground to install the geothermal piping.
Save Money With Geothermal Energy
A geothermal system can save you money in several different ways, including the following:
Lower Energy Bills – Though they may be expensive initially, when one compares the long term return on investment with heating and cooling, geothermal systems save a household more in the long run. After 5-7 years, the unit usually pays for itself by way of monthly savings on the energy bill. The total energy consumed can be cut as much as 44%.
Longer Lifespan and Low Maintenance – Geothermal comfort systems have longer lifespans and require less maintenance than traditional HVAC systems. The indoor components are simple to repair and last on average 24 years. The units also last longer than conventional installations. They contain fewer moving parts, are constructed of more durable components, and are housed in a more protected enclosure. This means less maintenance on your system which saves you money on repairs. The indoor components typically last 24 years or more, while the outdoor components, including the ground loop, tend to last 50 years or more. This results in significant savings in both the short- and long-term.
Tax Credits – Because geothermal energy is clean and energy efficient, the federal government has offered a 30% tax credit for installations of ground source heat pumps. If you install a geothermal comfort system in a new construction home or replace the system in your current home, you can claim this generous tax credit through 2032. There is currently no upper limit on the credited amount, so you will be able to offset 30% of the total cost of installation. It’s important to remember that geothermal equipment must meet the Energy Star program requirements to qualify for the tax credit.
Professional HVAC Installation
Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling are the experts in the Kansas City area for installing geothermal systems. We have been the top HVAC specialists in the area for over 22 years and have installed hundreds of geothermal heat pumps for our customers. If you are interested in a geothermal system for your home in the Kansas City area, call Lancaster Brothers to schedule a time for us to come to your home and give you an estimate. Our geothermal heating and cooling experts can be reached by calling (913) 851-3399 or contact us via our website.