What Is Geothermal Heating and Cooling: Is It Worth It?

Homeowners have quite a few options when choosing how to heat or cool their homes. Between oil, natural gas, and electricity, there are several choices for builders and owners. However, fossil fuel has fallen out of favor as the world takes a greater interest in renewable energy and clean sources, like geothermal heating and cooling.

But what is geothermal heating and cooling, and how does it work? Keep reading to learn all about this eco-friendly HVAC system from the HVAC specialists in Sheboygan from Professional Services.

What Is a Geothermal Heating System?

A geothermal heating system relies on naturally stored heat and thermal energy in the rock beneath the earth’s crust. As a result, you can find geothermal pockets in shallower areas or several miles underground. Geothermal heating and cooling systems don’t have to expend energy to generate heat—they collect and disperse the existing heat from underground.

While this might sound complicated or only for high-tech industrial projects, using the heat from the ground can benefit residents and homeowners. For example, a residential geothermal heating system includes a thermal heating “loop” piped underground from your home. That pipe exchanges heat throughout your home, and a well-installed system can cover both heating and cooling.

There are also several varieties of geothermal heating systems. For example, there are slinky coil loops, pond loops, vertical loops, horizontal loops, open-loop systems, and closed-loop systems. Depending on your home’s location, specific heating needs, and recommended system, you may use one of these variants.

Geothermal heating and cooling installations can offer a more constant temperature and even improve your home’s efficiency by providing hot water.

What Are the Benefits of Geothermal Heating and Cooling?

If you’re excited by the prospect of geothermal heating, you’re not alone. The public interest in geothermal energy and ground temperature heating systems continues to grow, with the market already valued in the billions. This rapid and expansive growth is mainly due to the potential benefits of a geothermal heating and cooling system.

The perks of geothermal energy vary from smaller energy bills to lower maintenance than your standard HVAC systems. In addition, geothermal heating and cooling provide several benefits to homeowners, including:

• Reduced energy expenses: Many homeowners report that geothermal systems significantly cut their heating and cooling system expenses. A quality system can help you save on your energy bills.
• Environmental friendliness: When you install a geothermal heating and cooling system, you’re offsetting the energy production of HVAC systems and cutting out the need for fossil fuels.
• Climate compatibility: Geothermal heating and cooling systems work well in almost any climate, making them a sensible investment no matter where you live.
• System longevity: Sometimes, a geothermal heating and cooling system can last dramatically longer than comparable HVAC systems, making it a popular option for a long-term investment.
• Lower maintenance requirements: Compared to your average HVAC systems, geothermal heating and cooling systems require far less upkeep and maintenance. This decreased maintenance reduces annual expenses and helps extend the system’s life.

These are just a few of the many benefits of a geothermal heating and cooling system. Depending on your current heat source, you may save hundreds of dollars each year on energy bills alone. You can save even more when you factor in the reduced need for maintenance.

Plus, you can always check in with your local and federal housing authorities to see if there are any credits, grants, or tax incentives for a geothermal system installation. In some cases, you can save by installing Energy Star-rated systems. In addition, grants can lower upfront costs, and recurring tax incentives mean that your installation continues to reap the rewards after it’s up and running.

How Much Does Geothermal Heating Cost?

When a homeowner asks, “what is geothermal heating and cooling,” they’re often really asking, “how much does it cost?” Geothermal heating does have a higher upfront cost, though the continued savings and environmental friendliness work to offset the expenses.

Like with any piece of equipment or home system, the price you spend on geothermal heating and cooling will vary by the homeowner, depending on:

• Your home’s location
• How large a unit you need to heat and cool your home effectively
• Which geothermal heating system you use

Since expenses can vary, even ballpark figures tend to be vague. On the lower end, a geothermal heating installation might cost $10,000. Based on the geothermal system, the size of your home, and your location, costs can climb to around $30,000 or more.

For some homeowners, it’s helpful to look at systems with lower upfront costs. While a geothermal system is undoubtedly more expensive than your standard HVAC system, it promises more significant savings and long-term use. Geothermal heat pumps also have a higher Energy Star efficiency rating than traditional HVAC systems.

Once you’ve chosen a system and paid for the installation, your estimated payback timeframe generally lingers around eight to ten years. However, since the system can last much longer than a traditional HVAC system and provide constant temperature control, it’s a longer-term investment with a solid potential payoff.

Where Do You Find Geothermal Heating Contractors?

Since a geothermal system is a significant home investment, you want to ensure that you’re working with highly-trained professionals who have years of experience. That’s where Professional Services can help you succeed.

If you’re ready to learn more about a geothermal heating and cooling system for your home, it’s time to find qualified, licensed contractors. Professionals Services has HVAC specialists in Sheboygan and Port Washington, WI, ready to help you with your  geothermal heating installation. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through the process.

Now that we’ve answered “what is geothermal heating and cooling,” it’s time to call the professionals and geothermal energy technicians that make it all happen.

We’re here to discuss your project specifics and help you make the best decision for your home and your budget. To discuss geothermal systems and your project specifics, give us a call at 262-218-2636 today. We’re excited to learn more about your heating and cooling needs.