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.