Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps – More Than Lower Utility Bills
Many people install a geothermal heating and cooling system to help lower utility bills. This makes sense because, according to The Climate Reality Project, "Homeowners save 30-70 percent on heating and 20-50 percent on cooling costs by using geothermal heat pumps compared to other conventional systems. This translates to roughly $400 to $1,500 annual savings."
However, lower heating and cooling costs aren't the only reason to consider a geothermal heat pump (GHP). Because GHPs utilize the hot water beneath the earth's surface, they offer many additional benefits.
Always Available
Geothermal heat pumps rely on geothermal energy, which is always available - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This energy can be accessed anywhere in the world and does not rely on the weather like wind and solar power do.
Quieter
The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy reports, "Compared to air-source systems, geothermal systems have been shown to be quieter." Geothermal systems use a system of pipes underground and have no visible outdoor compressor or fan, making them quieter to operate than air-sourced heat pumps.
Requires Little Maintenance
A geothermal heating and cooling system's mechanical design is relatively simple, resulting in fewer maintenance issues. Furthermore, because the portion of the system that is responsible for the heat transfer is underground, it is protected from wear and tear caused by environmental exposure.
A Renewable Source
Geothermal energy is "renewable energy and will never deplete. Abundant geothermal energy will be available for as long as the Earth exists," according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Environmentally Friendly
"The use of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—results in significant climate, environmental, and health costs that are not reflected in market prices. These costs are known as externalities," according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI). "Each stage of the fossil fuel supply chain, from extraction and transportation to refining and burning, generates externalities." Whereas, externalities caused by the use of geothermal energy are minimal. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), "geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for heating and cooling buildings."
Lower Heating and Cooling Costs
The significant savings a geothermal heat pump provides is worth repeating. The Climate Reality Project reports, "Homeowners save 30-70 percent on heating and 20-50 percent on cooling costs by using geothermal heat pumps compared to other conventional systems. This translates to roughly $400 to $1,500 annual savings."
You may experience even more savings with a GHP because they require less maintenance and typically last longer than conventional heating and cooling systems. Additionally, in many cases, they are able to supplement the generation of hot water for showers and sinks while running to heat and cool your home.
While it is true that installing a geothermal heat pump is initially more expensive than a conventional system, that cost should be recouped in five to ten years with lower maintenance and utility bills.
Install a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System and Start Saving Today
If lowering your annual heating and cooling system with an eco-friendly system sounds good to you, give Ultimate Comfort Heating & Cooling a call today at 610-750-8314 or connect with us online. Our fully licensed and insured technicians will happily provide a FREE Comfort Analysis. Estimates and consultations for new systems are delivered FREE of charge.
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