Geothermal heating and cooling system myth busting

When investigating the world of geothermal heating and cooling systems, it’s crucial to know the facts from fiction. There are many misconceptions about geothermal heating and cooling technology which simply are not true. Here are a few of the most common myths about geothermal heating and cooling systems, and the facts you can use to make well-informed decisions for your home or business.

A geothermal heating and cooling system can’t handle cold winters

Despite the temperature above ground, a few feet below the surface, the Earth’s temperature remains a fairly constant temperature of 54 degrees. A geothermal heating and cooling system accesses these consistent below-ground temperatures to extract warmth to heat your home. Using the Earth’s energy, these systems should be able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature on the coldest of days.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems require backup heat

While many geothermal heating and cooling systems are installed in addition to a new or existing backup heat source, it isn’t required. Your geothermal heating and cooling system can provide enough energy to heat your home with proper sizing and installation.

A geothermal heating and cooling system can’t be installed on a small lot

Geothermal design is flexible and can be used on lots big to small! Many people often think that geothermal heating and cooling systems can’t be used if the soil or terrain of their land is not ideal, but this is simply untrue. Working with a qualified geothermal design and install team, like Smith Sustainable Design, will show you how these “obstacles” are really not a big issue.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are only for new homes

You don’t have to build a new home to install a geothermal heating and cooling system. While geothermal systems can be integrated more conveniently during construction, retrofitting your current home is common. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are a great option for home and business owners who are faced with replacing an aging heating or cooling system, or upgrading equipment.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are new

Geothermal heating and cooling systems aren’t a new way to keep your home or business comfortable. Naturally-occurring geothermal hot springs in North America were an attractive location for early Native Americans to settle. In the 1940s, the first groundwater heat pump was developed to others to use the Earth’s naturally-occurring energy to heat and cool homes and buildings. As technology has advanced, efficiency has improved upon this same concept.

If you have any questions about geothermal heating and cooling systems, call Smith Sustainable Design for reliable information and advice. We will provide the geothermal facts you’re looking for, and can help you choose a geothermal system for your home or business.

Geothermal heating systems are the greenest choice

Many homeowners, as well as business owners, are concerned about reducing their environmental impact. The market is flooded with “green” products for your home or business, offering ways to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and more. Out of all the products and systems available to you, none is as “green” or environmentally-friendly as a geothermal heating system.

A vast majority of the homes and businesses in the United States rely on fossil fuels to provide energy for heating and cooling. The average home spends around 50 percent of its total energy consumption towards heating and cooling. The gas furnaces found in many homes cannot produce heat as efficiently as a geothermal heating system, using more energy and expending valuable fossil fuels to get the job done.

Geothermal heating systems have the largest positive impact on the environment because of their efficient energy use. They make use of the natural energy found within the Earth instead of burning fossil fuels directly for heating your home or business. A geothermal heating system uses the Earth’s energy as well as electricity to operate, so no harmful combustion byproducts or greenhouse gases are produced directly from operation. While fossil fuels are used to produce electricity, a geothermal heating system uses a larger percentage of natural, geothermal energy compared to electricity for operation. This allows your geothermal system to conserve electricity, and lower energy consumption.

There is a reason geothermal heating systems make up over half of the world’s direct geothermal usage. Their high-efficiency use of energy allows these systems to be more effective in reducing environmental impact compared to other green products and systems available. Turn your home into a true “green” house by installing a geothermal heating system. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint, as well as save money on heating and cooling costs. Call Smith Sustainable Design today for more information.

Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Part 2

In the second installment of our two-part series, we’ll examine additional benefits of heat pump systems. These geothermal heating systems allow you to reduce your energy consumption, and lower your energy bills. Because of this factor, geothermal heat pump systems are a smart choice for the environment.

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems use less energy

The difference in energy needed to operate a geothermal heat pump system compared to a furnace is drastic. Geothermal heat pumps also require much less energy to operate than other types of heat pumps, such as air source heat pumps. Because of their low energy usage compared to other heating and cooling systems, using a geothermal heat pump system can reduce your energy bills significantly. Their improved efficiency allows homeowners to recoup installation costs in a matter of a few years in many cases.

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems provide free hot water

A geothermal system not only keeps your indoor spaces at a comfortable temperature, it also provides hot water for your home. Your geothermal heat pump system can transfer the excess heat it creates to your hot water tank. Because the geothermal system heats your water, too, you’ll pay less for hot water year-round. Receive hundreds of gallons of free hot water each year, courtesy of your geothermal heat pump system.

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems are better for the environment

If you’re concerned about your home’s eco footprint, geothermal heat pump systems are a better choice for the environment. Geothermal systems are also incredibly efficient, as much as 600 percent on even the coldest days. Higher efficiency means less energy must be used to keep your home comfortable. Because of the lower amount of energy they require to operate, the impact on the environment from using these systems is much less than a gas or electric furnace.

If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits a geothermal heat pump system can offer, contact us today. Smith Sustainable Design will plan and install the ideal geothermal system for your home, allowing you to reap the benefits of a high-efficiency, long-lasting, environmentally-friendly way to keep your home comfortable.

Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Part 1

If you’re investigating an energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly way to heat your home, geothermal heat pump systems offer many benefits and advantages to homeowners. Not only do they allow you to maintain comfortable temperatures in winter and in summer, these systems reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, which are used to provide home heat by other types of heating systems, such as a gas or electric furnace. Below are some of the major benefits of using a geothermal heat pump system in your home.

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems fit any home

It doesn’t matter if you are planning to build a new home, or have been enjoying your home for years; a geothermal heat pump system can be installed either way. For a new home, a heat pump system design can be configured from the get-go. For older homes, a geothermal system can be retrofitted to your current dwelling, and often use the same duct work which is already installed. Geothermal heat pump systems take up less space compared to a furnace, allowing you to use the square footage for other needs.

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems provide excellent comfort

You can expect much more out of your heat pump system than just a comfortable temperature. A geothermal system produces less operating noise than traditional HVAC systems, so you’re less likely to be bothered. They also offer improved humidity control, which will help your home feel more comfortable all year long.

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems are durable

While the traditional furnace only has a life expectancy of about 12 years on average, a geothermal heat pump lasts approximately 20 years, or more! The underground loop system your heat pump uses is constructed to last for many years as well. Heat pump systems are easy to maintain, and regular maintenance improves their service life.