Although geothermal HVAC systems are becoming more common for homes, this technology is still new to many. Because of this, people often have misconceptions about how geothermal heating and cooling works and how useful it is.
We’re going to look at six of the major misunderstandings about geothermal heating and cooling.
#1. You need a lot of space to install geothermal ground loops
Geothermal loops can be installed in different configurations that make them available for many sizes of properties. Vertical loop configurations only require a small amount of space to access the geothermal energy necessary to work effectively and efficiently.
#2. Geothermal isn’t good for cooling, just heating
We refer to our geothermal installations as geothermal heating and cooling for a good reason: we want people to know that a geothermal HVAC system is useful at both jobs. Because “thermal” is in the title, it’s easy to misunderstand that a geothermal system might only work at providing heat. But the steady temperature of the ground provides an excellent place to deposit heat taken from the house as well as to remove heat to warm the house. You can expect quality cooling as powerful as a standard AC—but with higher energy efficiency.
#4. Geothermal systems make a lot of noise
The exact opposite is the case! Geothermal systems use fewer moving parts than air-source heat pumps and air conditioners because they don’t use an outdoor fan to exhaust or remove heat. Without any outside noise, geothermal heating and cooling is a quieter choice for home comfort.
#4. Geothermal systems need too much maintenance
The above-ground components of a geothermal system are similar to an air-source heat pump and require the same type and frequency of maintenance. The ground loops, provided they’ve received a quality professional installation, will need almost no additional maintenance at all.
#5. It takes too long to install geothermal heating and cooling
Just because a geothermal installation is a larger job than a standard AC or heating system installation doesn’t mean it will take days and days of work. Professionals can install the geothermal system necessary to cool off the average-sized home in only one or two days. Considering the ground loops can last for more than 50 years, that’s a tiny investment in time!
#6. Geothermal systems won’t pay back their installation costs
You can expect to pay more upfront to install a geothermal system than an air-source heat pump or other HVAC device, but the long-term savings are significant. Considering that a geothermal system works 4 to 6 times more efficiently than conventional cooling and heating systems and can last for decades, the installation will pay back its cost many times over. You can also apply for federal tax credits and state-level rebates and incentives to help pay for your new system.
If you’re interested in geothermal cooling in Brighton, MI (which means you’ll get geothermal heating as well), then please reach out to our team of experts. We can help determine the best way to set up your house for affordable, effective, long-term geothermal heating and cooling, and we can answer any questions you may have.
First Choice Heating & Cooling serves Fenton, Linden, Holly, and the surrounding areas. If your home had a voice … it would call First Choice.