Is building a new home or building in your near future? Or is it time to replace your current HVAC system?

If so, you might want to consider opting for a geothermal heat pump. These pumps are also sometimes referred to as ground-source or water-source heat pumps. They’re highly energy efficient systems that are a great option for both commercial and residential spaces (1).

Here’s what you should know:

1. They Operate Underground

Temperatures underground are much more constant than outdoor temperatures. Outdoor temperatures can change quite rapidly with seasons; however, the heat levels underground remain relatively stagnant.

That’s why the piping of geothermal heat pumps is installed about 4-6 feet underground, where they can take advantage of the Earth’s natural insulating properties. These heat pumps typically consist of an indoor handling system along with a buried unit of pipes (4).

2. They’re Low Maintenance

Geothermal heat pumps only require roughly 1/3 of the maintenance that a typical heating system needs. Since most of the work is done through underground (or underwater) piping, there is little upkeep needed.

To maintain, the heat coils will require an occasional cleaning and the air filters will have to be changed regularly. Aside from that, the workload to keep the system running efficiently is relatively low (1).

3. They’ll Save You Money

Because they’re typically very easy to maintain, your maintenance costs will be low.

And, since they’re energy efficient, you’ll save money on your heating and cooling bills. In fact, geothermal heat pumps use 25%-50% less electricity than a regular HVAC unit.

In addition to saving you some cash on maintenance and energy costs, you’ll also save money through reduced-cost hot water. A unique feature of geothermal heat pumps is that they can provide free hot water through a device called ‘desuperheater.’ This moves excess heat from the unit’s compressor and transfers it directly to the hot water tank. In turn, you’ll get free hot water in the warmer months and much cheaper hot water in the colder months (1).

4. They’re Eco-Friendly

Geothermal heat pumps are quite environmentally friendly. In fact, they don’t emit any greenhouse gases. If you’re not familiar with what greenhouse gases are, they’re compounds that can trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a warmer temperature for our environment. These are key players in the progression of climate change (2,3).

Instead of working against nature, GHP pumps actually work with the Earth’s natural temperature to provide heat (2).

5. They’re an Investment

To install a geothermal system in your home or building, it will be much pricier than that of a normal HVAC system. However, with the energy savings that these pumps provide, your investment will pay off in about 5-10 years.

For the indoor part of the system, its life is estimated at roughly 25 years. As for the outdoor unit, those components typically last 50+ years (5). So, if you’re willing to dish out a little extra change in exchange for a better future for your heating and cooling costs, a geothermal system might be right for you.

Installation & Replacement: Our Approach

Now that you’re a little more educated on geothermal heat pumps, you can decide what might be best for you.

Whether we’re dealing with gas furnaces, heat pumps or air handlers, our customers make the best decisions when they are fully informed. We make sure our customers are educated on all their options for installation, replacement and ongoing maintenance.

We can install any major brand or type of furnace, dual fuel system, hybrid system, heat pump, boiler or rooftop packaged unit. We will work with you to ensure you get exactly what you need to stay warm all winter, and so that you have a high quality, dependable system that will keep you warm for years to come. Once you have selected a new system for your home, we will then take care of timely installation.

Your Local Heating and Cooling Company

GC Home Services Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is your local heating and air conditioning company based in Newport, Kentucky. With more than 60 years of experience, our highly trained technicians bring our special brand of expertise and customer service to every job we perform.

Contact the experts at GC Home Services today for all your heating and cooling needs: 859-491-4915.

Sources:

Geothermal Heat Pumps: 5 Things to Know – Blog – Residential & Commercial Heating & Cooling Insights

Geothermal Heat Pumps: 5 Things to Know