Hanna Heating & Air is happy to announce that we now install geothermal systems. These types of heating and air conditioning solutions have been on the rise in recent years, and our expert technicians are proud to be able to offer such an ecofriendly option to our customers that will not only save you money on your utility bills but will also help the environment.
Of course, you may be scratching your head as to what a this kind of heat pump system is, but much as the name implies, these systems draw from the power of the ground beneath your feet to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, no matter the season.
While the air above the ground can vary wildly throughout the year, the ground just beneath the Earth’s surface is much more consistent, typically maintaining a year-round temperature between 55° and 70° F. A geothermal heat pump takes advantage of this reservoir of heat to keep your home at a consistent temperature. Hanna does this by laying pipes beneath the surface of the Earth and using a liquid (either water or an antifreeze solution) to move the heat around a ground loop system.
During the summer, a heat pump will take the warmth from your home and move it through the pipes, allowing the Earth itself to cool it off. During the winter, it works in reverse, taking the subsurface warmth and bringing it up into your home. The process is similar to what happens in your fridge, which takes the heat from the interior and transfers it into the kitchen, keeping your food nice and fresh.
The benefit of this is that it’s vastly more efficient than traditional heating and cool solutions. Instead of burning fuel to provide warmth, this heat pump simply moves it around, and since the ground is at such a constant temperature, it’s vastly more efficient as well.
This efficiency does come with one major downside, though: the upfront cost. The install cost of a this system ranges anywhere between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on the soil content and the way pipe installation method (either horizontal or vertical, or in water rather than soil). While this cost can be a bit on the frightening side, you’re typically able to recoup the costs in energy savings within a decade.
Do the benefits of geothermal heat pumps outweigh the installation cost?
These systems are significantly quieter than traditional heaters and air conditioners and they’re as much as 50% more efficient, too, shaving a noticeable amount of money from your utility bill. These heat pumps also benefit the ecosystem with clean, renewable energy. They’re low maintenance, as well. The heat pump and other indoor components will last upwards of 25 years (traditional heaters and air conditioners should typically be replaced after about 10). Since the ground loop is protected from the elements, it can last for more than 50 years.
Upfront cost aside, these systems are great for new constructions, but they can replace old systems, as well. If you’d like to learn more about geothermal systems, or learn whether or not it’s a viable option for your home, contact the expert technicians at Hanna.
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