Can’t Decide On A Geothermal System? Learn the Basics

Investing in a geothermal system is a big decision that will reward you with significant paybacks. Learning the basics about geothermal energy can help you determine if you are ready to take the next step towards this clean, money saving technology.

Geothermal systems work by utilizing the earth (or a water source) as a nearly constant source of warmth or coolness, depending on the season. At 20 feet below the surface, ground temperatures remain between 50-60 degrees year round. A geothermal system exchanges heat between the earth and your home through a series of buried pipes containing an antifreeze solution; your system’s heat exchanger then adjusts the indoor temperature according to your preference.

During summer months, the earth can be used as an energy “sink”, cooling the fluid within the series of pipes and lowering your indoor temperature. In colder weather, warmth from the earth can be harnessed and transferred indoors. Geothermal systems also provide abundant hot water during warm months.

A few of the advantages of installing a geothermal system include:

• A 20 to 50 percent reduction in heating and cooling costs
• More consistent indoor temperatures; minimizes hot and cold spots
• Quiet operation inside and out
• No flammable materials; safe for use around children and pets
• Federal tax credits; 30 percent of the total cost of new systems can be applied to your income tax on units installed by December 31, 2016
• Conservation of natural resources and reduction of your home’s carbon footprint
• System components that last between 20 and 50 years with minimal maintenance

Geothermal systems can be installed on nearly any lot; pipes can even be run underneath your home if space is very limited. If you are considering upgrading and retrofitting your current HVAC system, your indoor ductwork will generally require minor or no adjustments to function with a newly installed geothermal heat pump system.

The professionals at Sobieski Services have been assisting homeowners in the West Chester, PA, Wilmington, DE, Newark, DE and surrounding areas with their home comfort needs since 1987; contact us today for more information about clean geothermal heating and cooling systems!

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