Myths about Geothermal Heating and Cooling System

While considering the world of geothermal heating and cooling systems, it is important to identify the facts from general assumptions. Many people believe in some false concepts related to the geothermal heating and cooling technology.  You must learn about the typical myths and facts about geothermal heating and cooling systems to make a wise decision about the selection of heating system for your home or business. Here we combined few common misconceptions about geothermal heating and cooling technology.

Geothermal heating systems are not appropriate in extreme winters

No matter how cold it is above the ground, temperature few feet below the surface of the earth remains constant at 54 degrees. A geothermal heating and cooling system extracts that constant underground heat to keep your indoors warm. So even in the coldest days there should be no problem at all for a geothermal heating systems to keep your home at a comfortable temperature making use of geothermal energy.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems need backup heat

Many homeowners prefer to install geothermal heating and cooling systems along with an addition of new or already existing backup heat source. A geothermal heating and cooling system of proper size can cover the heat load of your home quite comfortably so there is no need for any backup heat source.

Smaller property cannot manage geothermal heating and cooling system

There is another false opinion that geothermal heating and cooling systems are only for big lots. Design of a geothermal heating technology is flexible which can be adjusted according to the size of your home. Many people relate proper installation of geothermal heating and cooling system with the type of soil or terrain of their lands, but this idea doesn't make sense. All such obstacles and doubts could be dealt with if you are consulting qualified team of geothermal design and installation, like Smith Sustainable Design.

Only new homes can accommodate geothermal heating and cooling systems

You are not required to build a new home, in order to install geothermal heating and cooling system. Retrofitting geothermal heating system in your existing house is as common and convenient as integrating the system during construction. If you are looking for upgrading or replacing your typical heating or cooling system for your home or business, geothermal heating and cooling system makes the best option.

Geothermal heating and cooling system is are new technology

There is another incorrect notion that we cannot rely on geothermal heating and cooling systems because they are new and not trusted. Early Native Americans found an attractive location to settle in North America because of the naturally occurring geothermal hot springs there. Geothermal heating and cooling pumps were first designed and executed in the 1940's, to make use of the underground heat to maintain a comfortable temperature in homes and buildings. With  time, the concepts of geothermal energy has advanced and improved in efficiency.

Contact Smith Sustainable Design based in PA and NJ for a reliable information and advice about geothermal heating and cooling systems. With the help of facts, we will eliminate your doubts about geothermal heating systems helping you to decide best geothermal system for your home.

Geothermal Heating Systems are Energy-Efficient and a Greenest Option

Due to the climate change and other environmental issues, many homeowners and business owners prefer to use environmental friendly systems to reduce the harmful impacts on the environment. Very often we hear about the “green” products in the market that are supposed to have none or a little harmful impact on the environment during the cycle of their production to disposal. Geothermal heating system in terms of “green” is the most environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient system out of all other green products and systems.

In the United States, use of fossil fuels is very common for the purpose of heating and cooling, in a home and business. In order to maintain a comfortable temperature in your indoors, it requires almost 50 percent of the total energy consumption of an average home. Fossil fuels that are commonly used to provide heat to your home require more energy and are less efficient as compared to the geothermal heating system. Use of fossil fuels for heating purpose not only wastes valuable non-renewable resources, but it also results in damage to the environment.

Geothermal heating systems need much lesser energy than a furnace or other heating systems thus have the highest positive impacts on the environment. There are no burning of fossil fuels involved in the case of geothermal heat pumps. This system utilizes natural energy present within the earth's interior to provide heat to your home or office. Overall operation of geothermal heat pumps needs energy of the earth and electricity, making the working of heat pumps free of any combustion and unsafe byproducts such as greenhouse gases. Geothermal heating systems use a larger percentage of natural geothermal energy for the operation instead of electricity, which makes it possible to lower the energy consumption by conserving electricity.

Because of their high efficiency almost half of the world’s direct geothermal usage is associated with geothermal heating systems. The efficiency of geothermal heat pump systems is higher than the other available green products and systems so they are more effective in reducing harmful environmental impacts. You can make your home environmental friendly and truly “green” by installing geothermal heating system. These systems will help you to reduce your carbon footprint and save your money for any other heating or cooling system. For more information on Geothermal heating systems, call Smith Sustainable Design based in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Advantages of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Part 2

Previously we were discussing some benefits of geothermal heat pump systems. In this second part, we will consider some additional benefits of geothermal heat pump systems. Many homeowners install geothermal heating systems to lower their energy consumption and energy expenses. This properties of a heat pump makes them a wise option for your home and the environment.

Geothermal Heating Systems are Energy Efficient

The energy requirement, of a geothermal heat pump systems, is significantly lower than a gas and oil  furnace. Even the other type of heat pumps like the air source heat pumps require more energy to operate as compared to the geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are more energy-efficient than any other heating and cooling systems so, they are more effective in reducing your energy bills. A geothermal heating and cooling system's high efficiency and low operating cost makes it possible to pay back your investment in a geothermal heat pumps installations in few years.

Free Hot Water with Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

Hot water is a need of every home for many purposes such as laundry, shower, dish washing, and other. Geothermal heat pumps facilitate your hot water demand providing hot water for your home along with maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors in every season. Geothermal heat pumps extract heat from the earth and transfer the surplus heat in your hot water tank. A geothermal heat pumps can lower your hot water bills by producing hundreds of gallons of free hot water each year.

Geothermal Heat Pumps are Environmental Friendly

If you want to keep your environment safe and healthy, you must consider a geothermal heat pumps over the other heating systems. Efficiency of geothermal systems is extremely high about 500 percent in extreme winters. It will require less energy to operate geothermal heat pumps to keep your home warm in winters and cool in summers. Due to the smaller energy need, geothermal heating systems do not have harmful impacts on the environment as compared to a gas or oil furnace, which emits hazardous gases polluting the environment. 

Contact Smith Sustainable Design today, if you want to install ideal heating system for your home receiving several advantages accosted with it. You can take advantage of keeping the temperature of your home comfortable with highly efficient, environmentally safe, and durable geothermal heating pump systems. 

Advantages of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Part 1

Geothermal heating pump system are the most energy-efficient and environmental friendly way of providing heat to your home. Homeowners can get several benefits from the geothermal heating systems. In typical heating systems for your home, fossil fuels are burnt in the gas or oil furnaces that emit toxic gases causing serious harm to the environment and health of the people. One of the benefits of geothermal heating systems is that it prevents you to put your environment and health at risk by depending on fossil fuels. The system maintains comfortable temperature for your home in winter and summer in an environmental friendly way.

Installing A Geothermal Heat Pump in any Building

No matter if you are planning for a new home or have already lived in your home for years, you can take advantage of installing a geothermal heating pump in your home. In case of a new home, you can easily configure a geothermal heat pump design in the beginning of the construction of your home. For an already built home, a geothermal heating system can be retrofitted without carrying out significant modifications in your structure. Geothermal heating systems also cab require lesser occupied space than a furnace so you may use that space for other needs.

Highly Comfortable Heating System

Geothermal heat pump systems help take care of the user’s satisfaction other than just providing a comfortable temperature for your home. Unlike traditional HVAC systems, geothermal heating systems produce less operating noise, which makes you feel relaxed. The system also maintains the humidity level in your home, which makes your place more comfortable throughout the year.

Long-lasting Heating System

Geothermal heat pump systems are highly durable as compared to the typical furnace having expected life of about 12 years on average. On the other hand, geothermal heat pump lasts as long as 20 year or more. The underground loop system of heat pumps is also designed and constructed in such a way to serve for many years. Geothermal heat pump systems can be easily maintained to increase their efficiency and durability. You can improve the service life of heat pump systems by regular maintenance. 

Protect your yard during geothermal heating and cooling system installation

In order to install the earth loop and ground source heat pump, geothermal heating and cooling system requires a considerable space in your yard. Because the installation of this system involves digging in your yard, some homeowners are concerned about the protection of their yards during the installation process. Before you consider a geothermal heating and cooling system for your home, you should have an idea how the installations can affect your yard. The information below may help you with your  concerns about damaging in your yard.

Due to the installations of a geothermal heating and cooling system your yard will be affected somehow. There can be tire tracks in result of heavy moving machinery used in the drilling process in your yard. It depends upon some natural elements whether your yard will sustain damage or not. Muddy condition due to the water or runoff can cause deeper tire tracks and untidiness in your yard. If the ground is dry, it may cause less damage due to the heavy moving equipment.

Smith Sustainable Design help you keep the negative effects minimum while installing geothermal heating system for your home. Our team of experts evaluate the condition of your soil and other factors affecting the installation process. The purpose is to help in the design of a geothermal heating and cooling system and to install it in all conditions.

We cannot control the natural impacts, but we can decide appropriate location and design of a geothermal heating and cooling system to minimize the negative effects. Horizontal earth loop damages more area in your yard because they are aligned horizontally under the ground. Vertical earth loop however occupies lesser space but requires deep digging. No matter which design you use without digging you cannot install any earth loops.

If you want a geothermal heating and cooling system for your home, it is preferred to rely on us. Effects to your yard will disappear in a short time after the installation of geothermal heating and cooling system. You will see no changes in your yard as soon as the grass grows. Smith Sustainable Design makes sure to reduce the negative effects and protect the areas in your yard you do not want to be damaged. Geothermal heating system recovers landscaping issues in a short time after the installation and provides long lasting and energy efficient way of cooling and heating your home.

Ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps

Ground source heat pump systems utilizes heat energy from the earth to keep your home warm. One important component of geothermal heating systems is a heat pump that regulates temperature distribution in your home. Heat pumps can be of different types, but the one used in geothermal heating systems is ground source heat pump which uses earth as a heat source. Air source heat pump is one of the other types of heat pumps, works similarly to ground source heat pump, but uses air as a heat source. It is important to understand the working of ground source and air source heat pumps to get an idea about the differences between both heat sources.

Heating

Ground source heat pumps are used in geothermal heating systems. Ground source heat pumps use earth’s energy in the form of heat. Heat energy circulates in the earth loop and warms the indoors. The name of the pump indicates that it uses ground or earth as a heat source. The earth absorbs a lot of heat energy from the sun and interior of the earth is a constant temperature. This temperature within the earth remains stable throughout the year and can be used to keep your structure warm regardless of low outdoor temperatures. We install ground source heat pumps inside the home to keep it protected from the severe cold weather of New Jersey. 

 Air source heat pump consumes heat from the atmosphere to keep your building heated. Air in the atmosphere contains energy in the form of heat that can be used to warm indoors. The question is  how can air source heat pumps maintain warm temperatures indoors when outdoor atmosphere is cold. The largest heat source, sun, is always giving heat energy to the air however the intensity of heat can vary because of the weather conditions. This means that heat can be extracted from the air in every season, but its quantity may not achieve the purpose of heating during the cold. The temperatures in winters can get extremely low in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and can stop air source heat pump from providing enough energy that you need to warm your place. So you will need an extra heat source to meet your heating requirements in the winters.

Cooling

Ground source heat pumps also work to provide cooling indoors in the summer. It extracts hot air and humidity from the indoors to lower the temperature. Ground source heat pumps collect heat from your home and transfer that heat into the earth passing by refrigerant.  The earth loop of heat pump contains low-temperature fluid which absorbs the heat coming from your home. The heat containing fluid goes under the ground via pipes and transfers the heat into the earth.

Air source heat pump, on the other hand, cools indoors by collecting heat inside your home and moving it outdoors.

Both type of heat pump work on the same principle that is to move heat from higher temperature to lower temperature areas. The difference between two heat pumps is the energy sources that are air and ground. Geothermal heating system makes use of energy stored underground using ground source heat pump to cool or warm your home or office.

How do Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Work?

You can keep your home or office warm in winter and cool in summer with a naturally working process of geothermal heating and cooling systems. Interior of the earth contains stable temperatures that are used to warm and cool your home. The other heating systems involve burning of fossil fuels in gas or oil furnaces which pollute the environment. Geothermal heating systems, on the other hand, are environmental friendly and more efficient in terms of energy. Let’s discuss how geothermal heating systems work to cool and heat your home.

The temperature in the atmosphere varies all year, from day to day and in different time of the day however underground temperature remains constant all year. Geothermal heating system reaches the earth’s temperature and brings it up to warm your home, or it collects the heat from your home and dumps it into the earth to cool your home. In order to make use of the earth’s energy, geothermal heating system uses a network of underground piping to circulate water.

The two main components of geothermal heating systems are the heat pump and earth loop. The temperature in the earth is stable throughout the year. Geothermal heating pump uses the temperature of the earth to warm and cool your home. The earth loop contains liquid running through the pipes within the loop. The liquid goes inside the earth and brings heat energy back to keep your home. The purpose of heat pump is distribution of heat energy, its working depends upon the season to collect heat from your home or distribute in it.

During the winter geothermal heat pump compresses the heat from the earth, liquid in pipes absorbs this heat and distributes it throughout your home. In the summer, heat pump pulls the heat from your home and throws it inside the geothermal well through the earth loop making your structure cool. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are best fit to make your home and office warm in winter and cool in summer due to the heating and air conditioning effects.

Overall efficiency of geothermal heating system is much higher than other heating systems like a gas or oil furnace. The system is energy efficient because it easily exchanges heat from the earth. If you install geothermal heating and cooling system, it can easily eliminate the price you pay for heating and cooling of your home. Energy efficiency and natural process of heating your home make geothermal heating system clean and affordable. Contact Smith Sustainable Design if you want to learn more about the working of geothermal heating system or planning to install it for your home and office. 

Is a Geothermal Heat Pump System Right for me?

A Geothermal Heat Pump System is one of the most energy efficient heating systems used to keep a home warm during winter. In order to warm your home, geothermal heat pumps pull the heat stored in the earth’s interior and transfer it into your home. Geothermal heat pumps are also used to keep your home cool during the summer. In this case heat is transferred from your home into the earth. We will explain here how you can determine that geothermal heating system is appropriate for your home or not.

New construction or existing residence?

Now we have an idea that geothermal heating systems access thermal energy from the earth to provide heat for your home. It is important to drill geothermal boring holes on your property to reach the constant temperatures in the earth. You may need a considerable area on your property allocated for the drilling of geothermal wells. It can be easily done before you have constructed your home. Pre-existing structure limits the area for the drilling of geothermal wells. However, it is possible to retrofit geothermal heating system in already build home.

Your lot

The type of geothermal heating system that would be best for you depends upon the available space in your yard. There are two major components of geothermal heating systems, a loop field, and a heating pump. The geothermal loop fields could be installed in two directions, horizontal and vertical. Horizontal loop field requires a lot of space, therefore, is more suitable in rural areas. It doesn’t require deep drilling so sometimes is less costly than vertical loop field. Vertical loop field is more common method of installing geothermal heating system. It utilizes smaller area and needs deep drilling.  Both these loop fields have their benefits and drawbacks, and both are equally effective systems of heating your home.

Your Investment

Overall cost of geothermal heating system seems extremely high and shocking to many. But in the long run, the use of a geothermal heating and cooling system returns much more than its investment. The upfront cost in installing vertical or horizontal loop fields is higher than a fossil fuel furnace heating system. The higher efficiency of geothermal heating system can payback within a short period after their installation. Your investment to install geothermal heating pump will be appreciated by the considerable reduction of utility bills and you will see the investment restored within the few years of installation. Moreover, geothermal heating system requires low maintenance in contrast to other heating systems.

Is installing a ground source heat pump affordable?

When you’re investing in new heating and cooling equipment for your home, one of the deciding factors will probably be cost. The cost of installation and energy is a top concern for many homeowners. Before choosing a ground source heat pump, you’ll want to know all the costs associated with installation and operation.

The cost of installing a ground source heat pump will vary from site to site. Different homes have different needs, varying heating and cooling loads, and type of earth loop available to the site, which will all factor into the final price. The heating and cooling loads can be effected by the size of the house and how well it is insulated. The yard size will determine  whether a horizontal or vertical earth loop can be installed. An open loop earth loop will new special township or county approval.

The federal government as well as many state and local programs offer incentives which can cut down the cost of installing a ground source heat pump for homeowners. With the federal tax credit alone, you may be eligible to receive up to 30 percent of the cost of installation back. Don’t count on these incentives unless you meet the qualifications. It’s best to call and verify your installation will be eligible before installing to avoid any surprises later.

Homeowners can also estimate how much it will cost to operate their new ground source heat pump ahead of time. Consider your home’s heating and cooling demand, and the efficiency of the ground source heat pump you’ll be installing. If you need help determining operation costs or your payback period, or to learn more about installing a ground source heat pump for your home, contact Smith Sustainable Design today.

Types of geothermal heat pump systems

Geothermal heat pump systems are ideal for use in most homes due to their extreme efficiency and use of natural energy to heat and cool living spaces. When choosing a geothermal heat pump for your home, there are two different options which may be suitable for your application. Residential geothermal heat pump systems can be either water-to-water or water-to air heat pumps.

Water-to-water geothermal heat pump systems

A water-to-water geothermal heat pump system is used for radiant heating and cooling; domestic hot water; pool conditioning; ice and snow melt. They can be used in place of gas or oil furnaces which may be used in the home for heating water and indoor living spaces. These heat pumps work at their highest efficiency when the temperature variance between the ground and the heat sink inside the home is minimal.

A water-to-water geothermal heat pump can also be used to heat your home’s hot water. Many new geothermal heat pumps are equipped with desuperheaters, which allows excess heat from the compressor to be transferred to the domestic water heater. Using a geothermal heat pump is an effective, efficient way to provide for all your home’s heating needs.

Water-to-air geothermal heat pump systems

A water-to-air geothermal heat pump system is used for forced air heating and cooling a home and domestic hot water. These heat pumps use water as a heat sink, or the location where heat is rejected from inside the house. The air is then distributed in the home through the duct system. They function in the same manner as the water-to-water heat pumps.

To make your home’s geothermal heat pump system more efficient, you can take a few simple steps. Start by cutting your home’s heating and cooling requirements. This can be done through insulation as well as using windows for solar heat gain during colder months.

If you’re considering a geothermal heat pump system for your home, consult the professionals at Smith Sustainable Design. We can help you by designing an appropriate system to meet your home’s requirements.

Heating your home with geothermal heating systems

Heat pumps have been around for decades, and the technology has been improving ever since. Geothermal heating systems are considered one of the most effective and efficient methods for heating and cooling homes and businesses. With efficiencies of over 500% in some models, they can reduce home energy consumption by up to 75 percent while cutting carbon emissions by 70 percent or more.

Despite all the advantages they offer, geothermal heating systems aren't as widely used as conventional heating and cooling methods. The reasons behind this concern upfront costs, lack of knowledge about the systems, and inconsistent incentive initiatives. In the last few years, the federal government has been pushing tax credits for homeowners installing geothermal heating systems, which have allowed many more homeowners to take advantage of this efficient heating and cooling technology in their homes.

Geothermal heating systems perform better than air source heat pumps. While the air outside fluctuates in temperature, the ground below us remains at a steady temperature all year long. The lack of temperature variation in the heat source used by geothermal heating systems makes them more than twice as efficient compared to air source heat pumps.

Yes, geothermal heating systems are more expensive to install. They don’t just consist of the equipment you see in your home or outside like conventional forced air heating and cooling systems have. There is also the ground loop component which is comprised of hundreds of feet of pipes buried underground. The ground loop works with the heat pump to absorb and circulate heat from the earth up into your home.

The performance of your home’s geothermal heating system will depend on a few factors. First, the climate will play a role in determining your home’s heating demand. Second, the heating fuels you geothermal heating system is replacing will also play a role, as some fuels and heating equipment are more efficient than others, and more expensive. Replacing expensive heating fuels with a geothermal heating system will result in greater energy and monetary savings versus lower cost fuels.

Myths about geothermal heat systems

Geothermal heat systems are an excellent option for homeowners looking to heat and cool their homes efficiently and affordably. They are not usually found in homes as often as gas and oil heating and electric cooling equipment, so not all homeowners know about their advantages. If you’re not familiar with geothermal, it’s easy to believe some of the myths floating around about these systems. Get the facts instead and don’t buy into the myths about geothermal heating systems.

Myth: Geothermal heat systems aren't a renewable technology

Some people think that because these systems use a small amount of electricity, they are not a true renewable system. The truth is, a geothermal system moves up to 5 times the amount of heating and cooling for every unit of electricity they use. How’s that for efficiency?

Myth: You need a lot of space to install a geothermal heat system

The earth loop utilized by the geothermal system doesn't always have to be installed horizontally, covering a large area. In some installations, the loop can be laid vertically. This option makes it easy to install a geothermal heat system on a site with restricted space.

Myth: Geothermal heat systems are loud

One of the pluses to installing a geothermal heat system is the quiet operation. The heat pump component of the geothermal heat system is installed inside, so your neighbors wouldn't be affected even if it was noisy.

Myth: Geothermal heat systems only heat your home

A geothermal heat system can also provide cooling for your home, no need for two types of equipment. During the summer months, its process is reversed to remove warm air from your home and deposit it back into the earth.

Myth: Geothermal heat systems are too expensive

With the incentives available to homeowners installing geothermal heat systems, they may not be much more expensive than conventional heating and cooling systems. Plus, your geothermal heat system continues to pay you back as you use it with increased energy savings for your household.

Smart heating and cooling with geothermal

The sun’s energy is useful for generating electricity for your home. It’s also useful for heating and cooling, but not through the use of solar panel collectors. Geothermal heating and cooling systems also make use of the sun’s free energy using different collection methods. Ground loop components actually absorb heat caused by the sun from within the earth to heat your home, and deposit heat back into the earth for cooling.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer the highest level of energy savings compared to any home system. With geothermal, you can save as much as 70 percent on heating and cooling costs. This savings is made possible through the use of the sun’s energy stored within the earth, rather than fossil fuels.

Even when temperatures outside fluctuate, geothermal provides steady heating and cooling. It doesn't matter what the outside temperature is, because the temperature below ground always remains at a constant level. Usually, this temperature is between 50 and 55 degrees year round.

For heating purposes, geothermal heating and cooling systems offer the best return on your heating dollars. They are able to produce about 5 dollars’ worth of heat for every dollar spent for electricity. Even the most high efficiency furnace can’t do that. In fact, the best a high efficiency furnace can do is give you back about 98 cents’ worth of heating for every dollar spent on heating fuels; not much of a payback, is it?

For cooling, central air conditioners and air source heat pumps drop in efficiency as outdoor temperatures climb, which is typically when you want and need cooling the most. A geothermal heating and cooling system is much more efficient. Typically, they more than double the efficiency you’ll find with air source heat pumps and central air conditioners.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems don’t have exposed outdoor components. Everything you need is either below ground or housed within your home. Central air conditioners and air source heat pumps have outdoor components, leaving them vulnerable to damage, vandalism, and theft.

How do ground source heat pumps work?

Many people know that geothermal heat systems use the earth’s heat to provide heating for the home, but may be unsure of how this is achieved. The answer is simple: a heat pump. The system utilizes a ground source heat pump to move heat from within the earth into your home.

A geothermal heating system doesn't use combustible materials to heat your home like a gas or propane furnace does. Instead, it uses refrigerant to carry heat from one system component to the next. The compressor within the heat pump moves the refrigerant throughout the entire system.

In winter, the earth’s heat is absorbed by the ground loop and carried to the coaxial coil.  The inner coil contains the water from the ground loop, and the outer tube of the coil houses cold refrigerant. Through the walls of the coil, the heat from the ground loop’s water is passed to the refrigerant. Then, the refrigerant moves the heat to the compressor where it is pressurized. The pressure makes the refrigerant extremely hot.

Once the refrigerant is good and hot, it’s pumped through the air coil’s pipes and fins. When air is forced across the now-hot coil, heat is transferred into that air. A blower then moves the heated air through your duct system and into your home to heat the space.

Next, the refrigerant is moved to the expansion valve, where the pressure is low. The low pressure cools the refrigerant so it’s ready to move back to the coaxial coil. Once refrigerant returns to the coaxial coil, it is again ready to absorb the heat from water carried through the ground loop.

For cooling your home, the ground source heat pump simply works in reverse. Refrigerant will flow in the opposite direction and excess heat will be pulled from inside your home to be deposited back into the ground. This excess heat can also be used to heat water for your home.

Geothermal heating system installation and new construction

Are you planning to build a new home in the future? If so, one of the decisions you’ll have to make is how to heat and cool your home. Geothermal heating systems are efficient and environmentally friendly. New home construction is an ideal time to install a geothermal heating system.

Constructing a new home is the perfect time to install a geothermal system because of the ground loop that will need placed. While your building site is empty, it’s easy to lay the piping needed for the ground loop. When installing a geothermal heating system at an existing home, there are obstacles that must be worked around, such as the house itself, and landscaping that may have to be disturbed. With an unfinished site, the necessary components for the geothermal heating system can be placed before structures and landscaping are finished.

Choosing a geothermal heating system will provide you with great energy savings, above and beyond what can be achieved with high efficiency forced air heating and cooling equipment. The energy savings you’ll earn over the lifetime of your system can be reinvested into other items for your home, like upgraded fixtures and the other “wish list” items you've been wanting in a new home.

Installing a geothermal heating system will cost you more initially versus conventional oil or gas heating and cooling options. Don’t be put off by the price tag, as the energy savings this system will produce will allow it to pay for itself. Plus, your geothermal heating system installation will qualify you to receive a 30 percent tax credit, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. When you look at it that way, almost a third of the initial cost will be covered, which can take away some of the sticker shock for homeowners.

Free hot water with geothermal heat systems

When you choose a geothermal heat system to provide heating and cooling for your home, did you know you can also get free hot water? A desuperheater can be used with your geothermal heat pump to capture heat from the compressor, which is then modified for use in water heating. With greater efficiency and the added hot water bonus, who could pass up the value and utility of a geothermal heat system?

Using your geothermal heat system to also heat hot water provides significant cost savings. You won’t have to rely so much on that electric, natural gas, or propane water heater, so you’ll save on energy costs. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, homeowners who use geothermal for their hot water needs find that hot water generation can cost about 80 percent less versus traditional water heating methods.

Excess heat is created by the geothermal heat pump in both heating and cooling modes, though more is produced through cooling because you’re trying to get rid of the heat, not bring more inside. Rather than depositing the heat from your home into the earth through the ground loop, that heat can be used to heat your water instead, allowing you to utilize that heat waste. Using a desuperheater in the summertime can create most or even all of the hot water you need around the house. During the other season, the desuperheater will still provide some of the hot water you need, but you’ll still need to use your primary water heating method.

If you have questions about geothermal heat systems or using a desuperheater for your hot water needs, give us a call. The geothermal experts at Smith Sustainable Design are available to answer all your system and equipment questions. If you’re thinking of installing a geothermal heat system, consider adding a desuperheater to further maximize efficiency and energy savings at home.

ClimateMaster heat pump systems

When it comes time to choose a geothermal heat pump system for your home, which brand do you trust? Over one million homeowners in American have chosen ClimateMaster for their system’s needs. Learn more about ClimateMaster and see why their products make a great fit for your home.

ClimateMaster heat pump systems are extremely efficient. Versus conventional heating and cooling methods, their equipment is 400 to 600 percent efficient! With conventional high efficiency equipment, the best you’ll get is around 95 percent efficiency. With 4 to 6 times the efficiency of conventional heating and cooling methods, ClimateMaster heat pump systems offer savings of up to 80 percent on energy bills.

Heat pump systems by ClimateMaster are built to last. Their products are extremely durable and have a life expectancy of over 20 years- much longer than most traditional heating and cooling systems. Plus, their maintenance needs are very little.

ClimateMaster heat pump systems also offer the convenience of home cooling, so there is no need for separate air conditioning equipment. You will save on expensive cooling costs in the summer without an electric air conditioner. Plus, you won’t see those high gas bills in the winter, or have to worry about propane delivery!

When you choose a ClimateMaster heat pump system for your home, you’re also benefiting the environment. These high efficiency systems severely cut down your home’s use of fossil fuels and electricity, so your home contributes less carbon emissions. With geothermal heat pump systems, nearly all of the energy needed to heat and cool your home is renewable.

Smith Sustainable Design installs ClimateMaster heat pump systems for homeowners and businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more about how these great products can improve your home comfort.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems pay you back

When you install a geothermal heating and cooling system at your home or business locations, you’ll receive a big payback. Geothermal systems offer many benefits that traditional heating and cooling methods do not. The price you pay to upgrade to geothermal will surely result in a big payback to you.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are tried and true. This method of heating has actually been around for thousands of years! It is often viewed as a new technology, and while it has been perfected over the years by advancing technology, geothermal has been heating and cooling homes and businesses for longer than you may realize.

Other methods of heating and cooling don’t really pay you back. While upgrading to more energy efficient equipment promises energy savings, the improvement to your utility bills isn’t as drastic as you think. Geothermal heating and cooling systems cut energy bills by up to 80 percent- you’ll definitely notice that decrease on your monthly utility statements. These mechanical systems also have more moving parts compared to geothermal systems, and can require more maintenance and repairs, which ends up costing you more than a geothermal heat pump.

Old furnaces and air conditioners don’t always pay you back in improved comfort. Forced air systems can be noisy and can detract from the peace and serenity you’re trying to achieve inside your home. Plus, this forced air method falls short in providing consistent, even heating and cooling throughout your home- you can blame it for that one room that’s always too hot or too cold. Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer quitter operation and consistent temperatures throughout your living space.

By using a geothermal heating and cooling system, you’ll receive the payback of clean energy. You won’t be burning dirty fossil fuels and coal to create the energy your system needs- geothermal uses clean, natural energy straight from the earth! So you’ll be doing you part to help the environment while staying comfortable inside your home.

Control your home comfort with a heat pump system

There are many costs associated with maintaining and running your household. Keeping your home in order can be expensive. Creating the perfect home can be even more costly. Control your home comfort with a heat pump system.

The price of energy is a major contributor to the cost of maintaining a home. Gas, oil, and electricity prices are always fluctuating, and usually not in your favor. When your home’s comfort systems depend on these fuels for operation, you are at the mercy of your utility providers and have very little control over the cost of your comfort.

Improving the efficiency of these fuel consuming systems is one way you can try to reduce energy costs. Upgrading to newer, more efficient equipment may reduce your energy bills, but is it making that big of a difference for you? These types of upgrades typically offer noticeable improvements in utility consumption, but what if you could do better?

Switching to a heat pump system can drastically reduce your household’s energy consumption, making your comfort much more affordable! Using geothermal energy, a heat pump can heat and cool your home and even heat your water, while using renewable natural energy that is free!

With heat pump systems, homeowners can achieve heating and cooling efficiencies of 400 to 600 percent. Upgrades to an energy efficient gas furnace model can only offer about 95 percent efficiency at best. Upgrading to heat pump systems can save homeowners up to 80 percent on their monthly heating and cooling expenses, which is enough to really make a difference.

Take control of your utility usage and expenses. Control your home comfort with a new heat pump system. For quality equipment, installation, and service of your new heat pump system, contact Smith Sustainable Design today.

Why is a geothermal heat system right for your home?

Your home’s HVAC system should be a top priority when it’s time to upgrade, update, or build a new home. Hot water, heating and cooling contribute to about 70 percent of your home’s energy usage, so choosing the right system to handle these needs can yield great savings. Some options can do little to save you energy, and may even increase your utility bills if they are not right for your home.

Geothermal heat systems are an excellent choice for most homeowners. What’s great about these systems is that they offer an efficiency of 400 to 600 percent- try and get that from a gas or oil furnace. Plus, installing a geothermal heat system will allow you to take advantage of the 30 percent federal tax credit. When you install a geothermal heat pump, you may even be able to take advantage of state and local programs which reward homeowners for choosing energy efficient appliances.

Geothermal heat systems can provide many comforts beyond heating. In summer months, your heat pump will reverse to cool your home- no air conditioning unit needed! Depending on the configuration of your system, hot water and floor heating can also be provided by this single system. With one efficient system doing all the work, you’ll open the door to energy savings all year long.

Choosing a geothermal heat system for your home is a green choice. With the power to reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 70 percent, you’ll also be reducing your home’s contribution to carbon emissions by replacing your old gas and oil powered systems. For homeowners looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods, geothermal heat systems are a smart choice.

Geothermal heat systems don’t take up a lot of space. You don’t need a large yard to have a ground loop installed. Plus, the heat pump equipment won’t consume a lot of space inside your home. The underground and indoor installation will also protect you from weather damage, theft, and vandalism.