Factors affecting the cost of a geothermal heat pump system

One stigma about installing a geothermal heat pump system is the cost- many homeowners assume that these systems are out of their price range. In reality, there are many factors which need to be considered in order to accurately quote the price of a geothermal heat pump system. Different homes have different needs, and some may have qualities that can affect the cost of the overall system.

Does your home have duct work?

If your home has existing duct work which can be used with a geothermal heat pump system, this may reduce the overall system cost. If your geothermal heat pump system installer determines that your duct work is ideal for use with the new geothermal heat pump, you can avoid the cost of running a new duct system through your home.

What’s your heating and cooling load?

The heating and cooling load of your home will play a large part in determining the size of geothermal heat pump system you’ll need. A larger system is typically more expensive than a smaller one. In order to determine the size of geothermal heat pump your home will require, we conduct Manual J calculations to assess the exact amount of heating and cooling your home will need.

Is your property suited for a ground loop?

The geothermal heat pump system uses a ground loop to collect geothermal energy to heat and cool your home. Laying the ground loop will account for a portion of the installation price. Excavating must be done and equipment costs accounted for. We look at the soil conditions and landscaping or structures which could obstruct the ground loop. These factors play a role in determining how the ground loop will be installed, and the final cost of your system.

If you’re interested in a geothermal heat pump system, don’t guess at the cost. Smith Sustainable Design’s team of expert system designers can provide you with an accurate estimate of costs- which may be lower than you think!

Reasons to install a geothermal heating and cooling system

If you have been looking into installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, you’re likely familiar with many of the benefits. Everyone has their own reasons for choosing this type of system, but many home and business owners agree on their reasons. Some are obvious, like energy efficiency and reduced operating costs, but some reasons are not as apparent. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons others are going geothermal.

Environmental Impact

Geothermal heating and cooling systems utilize natural, renewable energy to heat and cool homes and businesses, meaning they are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel burning systems.

Flexibility in Design

Whether it’s a new home or existing structure, a geothermal heating and cooling system can be integrated easily and inexpensively in either scenario. Existing geothermal heating and cooling systems can be easily expanded to fit additions and remodeling projects.

Safety

With no fossil fuels used, geothermal heating and cooling systems eliminate the danger of a gas leak or undetected carbon monoxide poisoning.

Life Span

A geothermal heating and cooling system typically has a life span much longer than forced air heating and cooling equipment. These heat pump systems can outlast forced air systems by 10 to 20 years.

Noise Level

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are much quieter than forced air systems which use fans and other equipment which can create noise during operation. A geothermal system makes about as much noise as a household refrigerator.

Versatility

With a geothermal heating and cooling system, there is no need to purchase and install both a furnace and air conditioner- the geothermal system is capable of providing for a home or business’s heating and cooling needs.

Hydronic Radiant Floors & Geothermal Heat Systems

Geothermal heat systems have a number of options which can be included with installation. One very beneficial add-on is a hydronic radiant floor heating system for a home. Enjoy warm, even temperatures and toasty floors in addition to low-cost heating for your home.

A hydronic radiant floor system is a popular and extremely cost-effective way to heat a home. The system uses a system of piping networked through floors. Heated water is pumped through the pipes, and emits warmth which radiates into the room above. Zoning valves can be used with thermostats to control temperatures in rooms individually.

When used with a geothermal heat system, hot water which is collected is then used in the hydronic radiant floor system. A radiant floor system provides much cleaner heating than a forced air system, as dust and pollutants are not blown throughout the home through a duct system. They are very design-friendly, as no special considerations must be made for ductwork and registers. Hydronic radiant floor systems offer silent operation, unlike forced air systems.

Geothermal heat systems and hydronic radiant floors offer convenient comfort throughout the home. As the system heats spaces, flooring also will have a slightly warm feel. Many homeowners find this to be a great feature, especially during the cold New Jersey and Pennsylvania winters. Radiant heat transfers heat to the room’s inhabitants, rather than the air.

When installing a geothermal heat system, you may also decide to install a hydronic radiant floor system to maximize your geothermal heat. Smith Sustainable Design is a qualified geothermal heat system installer with experience designing and installing hydronic radiant floor systems in homes and businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more about energy efficient heating systems for your home.

Choosing a geothermal heating system installer

When choosing to install a geothermal heating system at home or for a business, choosing your installer is just as important as choosing your equipment. The right installer has the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through the process while designing and installing a system appropriate for your application. From the beginning to the end of your project choosing the right geothermal heating system installer will make the entire process flow smoothly.

The right geothermal heating system installer provides expert guidance to help you choose the right system and equipment. There are many options when it comes to geothermal heating system design and you will be faced with a lot of choices: the right installer can help you compare different system designs and will make recommendations as to which is right for you. It is best to trust a professional to help you make the most of this sizeable investment.

Of course, choosing the right installer is important to ensure that your equipment is properly installed and well protected. The right geothermal heating system installer knows how to install systems to maximize the energy savings and benefits you expect. Proper placement of ground loops is essential to the performance of your system, and an expert installer will know exactly how to determine the best placement for your system and property.

When choosing a geothermal heating system installer, do your research. Ask for recommendations and ask questions of the installers you speak with. A good geothermal heating system installer has installed many systems and can easily explain the process, the equipment, and the benefits to you. Choosing an experienced installer like Smith Sustainable Design will give you peace of mind throughout the installation process and help to ensure that your system will perform properly for years to come.

Ventilation is an important component for geothermal heating systems

Geothermal heating systems don’t just require a heat pump. To create a system that can really keep you comfortable, proper ventilation is a must. Homes today are insulated very well to keep heat and conditioned air inside, reducing energy waste. Unfortunately, all this air sealing restricts ventilation.

Proper ventilation is necessary to keep you breathing fresh air indoors. Without proper ventilation, indoor air quality suffers drastically. Pollutants and humidity can easily build up without ventilation, diminishing your indoor air quality and contributing to various problems with your health and your home.

Air tight homes with geothermal heating systems need to have ventilation systems in place. Air exchangers can be used to minimize the loss of heating and cooling while providing fresh air. Common features of air exchangers include heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). Using HRV, an air exchanger transfers heat that is contained in air which is exhausted from the home to the fresh air coming inside. It eliminates the mixing of stale air with fresh air while still retaining your heat energy. ERV works to control the amount of humidity entering the home through fresh air supplies.

Don’t overlook the importance of a ventilation system when you install a geothermal heating system. Proper ventilation protects your home from damage and can prevent health issues caused by poor indoor air quality. Smith Sustainable Design is a geothermal heating system contractor in New Jersey who also installs important ventilation components. For more information about the benefits of proper ventilation, give us a call today.

Control humidity when using a geothermal heat system

Maintaining the right temperature is essential to maintaining your comfort. One factor that affects your geothermal heat system’s ability to maintain your comfort is humidity. When you use a geothermal heat system, it’s important to manage humidity levels by using a whole home dehumidifier.

Many people don’t realize how much humidity can affect one’s comfort. Too much humidity indoors can leave you feeling sticky, like you’ve been outside on a humid summer day- nobody wants to feel that way inside. It can cause your skin to feel clammy and even cause odors throughout your home.

Using a whole home dehumidifier with your geothermal heat system will help you improve indoor air quality. Excessive moisture is one of the many factors than diminishes indoor air quality and can affect your health. A whole home dehumidifier improves filtration and ventilation, along with providing moisture control.

A whole home dehumidifier manages indoor humidity to keep you comfortable and protect your home. Too much humidity can cause damage to your home’s interior and structure. Moisture affects woodwork such as flooring, trim, cabinetry, and furnishings. Excessive moisture can cause paint and decorative finishes to crack or peel. When humidity levels are not controlled in your home, the excess moisture can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause serious damage to your home.

A whole home dehumidifier can improve the performance of your geothermal heat system and your home. Smith Sustainable Design provides quality geothermal heat system installation and design, as well as installation of whole home dehumidifiers. For more information about how dehumidification solutions can improve moisture control and air quality in your home, contact us.

Hydron Module geothermal heating and cooling systems

When choosing a geothermal heating and cooling system, there are many models from many different manufacturers to choose from. At Smith Sustainable Design, we install systems built by several reputable manufacturers, including Hydron Module.

Hydron Module geothermal heating and cooling systems are built with high quality components and excellent craftsmanship. These systems are made in America, and undergo rigorous testing to assure quality. Combining the best components with innovative design allows Hydron Module to offer quiet, efficient operation on systems that last longer than the competition. Heavy gauge steel cabinets are used to ensure tough construction and more protection compared to other brands.

Hydron Module systems offer higher heating capacities than competing models, meaning you’ll have less need for supplemental heating, saving you more on heating costs. Oversized heat exchangers which come standard on Hydron Module equipment exceed the efficiency levels required by ENERGY STAR for additional energy savings.

Hydron Module geothermal heating and cooling systems are flexible and appropriate for numerous applications. Go hybrid with a split system-combine with a new or existing furnace to provide for all your home’s air conditioning needs and 80-90% of your heating requirements. Hydron Module water-to-water systems offer chilled water for air conditioning, eliminating the need for a supplemental air conditioning unit. In fact, there is a Hydron Module system built to fit every residential application!

When choosing geothermal heating and cooling systems, there are many options available to you. The experts at Smith Sustainable Design offer reliable geothermal heating and cooling system design and installation, and can help you decide which equipment is best for your home. For more information about Hydron Module geothermal systems, contact us today.