Retrofit your home with a geothermal heat system

Years ago, geothermal heat systems were generally installed in new construction settings. Thanks to improvements in technology over the last several years, geothermal heat systems are also an option for existing homes. Retrofits can be performed using selected strategies to integrate a geothermal heat system for your current home. A great way for homeowners to reduce energy use, these systems can add value to your existing home and lower daily energy expenses.

One element that once caused owners of existing homes to shy away from geothermal heat systems was the placement of the ground loop. The ground loop, or earth loop, is a necessary component of a geothermal heat system, which facilitates the collection of energy from the Earth’s consistent underground temperatures.  Placing the ground loop requires digging, as it is generally buried under the frost line around the existing dwelling. Vertical placement is now an option, as opposed to horizontal placement, which makes a geothermal heat system a good option for homeowners worried about interfering with outdoor property features.

When retrofitting a geothermal heat system for existing homes, there are products available to minimize alterations and take advantage of the home’s existing elements. If your home is currently using a forced-air heating system, your new geothermal heat system can be installed to use the duct work that is currently in place. Another option would be to incorporate a geothermal split system, which keeps your existing furnace in place as a backup heat source, creating a hybrid heat system.

If a new heating system is in your home’s future, don’t overlook considering a geothermal heat system as a replacement system. Geothermal heat systems can be retrofit to your existing home without extensive alterations, providing an easy to install and use option for heating your home. To learn more about the many benefits a geothermal heat system can offer your family, or about how simple a retrofit can be, contact Smith Sustainable Design. Our knowledgeable team will expertly retrofit your new geothermal heat system, addressing any concerns along the way.