Geothermal Heat Pumps – your source of heating and air-conditioning are far superior in delivering highest efficiency at lowest cost
Energy Efficient
Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP) are highest rated HVAC systems in energy efficiency because they can deliver almost three to five units (model specific) of thermal energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. In comparison highest rated gas fired system delivers less than one unit of thermal energy. That translates into an efficiency rating close to 500%, compared to the most efficient gas furnace that rates 98%. A GHP taps into the renewable solar energy stored in the ground to provide savings up to 70% on bills. Using a series of underground pipes, it exchanges heat with the earth instead of outdoor air. While air temperatures can vary greatly from day to night or winter to summer, the temperature just a few feet below the earth’s surface stays an average 55º-70ºF year-round. Geothermal heat pumps are not only the most comfortable way to heat and cool, they’re also the most cost effective. They’re versatile enough to excel in almost any home or any environment, and you’ll find geothermal in more than 1 million households across Canada and all 50 U.S. states. They can also be scaled for single-family homes to entire college campuses.
Cost Effective
Geothermal Heat Pump efficiency should allow homeowners save on energy consumption due to Energy Efficiency of the Heat Pumps. With Federal and State incentives for the use of Geothermal HVAC will help to reduce the initial incremental cost of the difference between cost of geothermal HVAC vs conventional HVAC. A 30% tax credit on equipment and installation costs is currently available to U.S. homeowners who install an ENERGY STAR rated geothermal system. Locally available state and utility incentives are further assisting homeowners to achieve energy and cost savings. Thanks to this amazing opportunity, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to geothermal.
Clean
Large, high efficiency filters allow to provide exceptional indoor air quality and protect your family from dust and pollen. Geothermal systems work with nature, not against it. They emit no greenhouse gases – which have been linked to pollution, acid rain and other environmental hazards.
Safe
Because natural gas, propane, or oil isn’t required to operate a geothermal system, there’s no combustion, flames, or fumes and no chance of carbon monoxide poison.
Summer Cooling
As outdoor temperatures rise, a GHP collects the unwanted heat in your home and moves it to the cooler 55º earth. Meanwhile, ordinary heat pumps and air conditioners are forced to dump that heat outside. Unfortunately, hot summer air is already saturated with heat and is less willing to accept more. That makes ordinary cooling systems least efficient when you need them to be the most efficient.
Winter Heating
As outdoor temperatures fall, a GHP draws from an underground reservoir of heat, concentrates it, and moves it to your home. Meanwhile, an ordinary heat pump is forced to collect heat from frigid winter air, making it least efficient when you need it to be the most efficient. And unlike a furnace, GHP doesn’t create heat through combustion.
Do I need separate earth loops for heating and cooling?
No. The same loop works for both. To switch heating to cooling or vice versa, the flow of heat is simply reversed. With a simple flip of a switch on your indoor thermostat, you can change from one mode to another.
Can a geothermal system also heat water?
Yes. Some geothermal heat pumps can provide all of your hot water needs at the same high efficiencies as the heating/cooling cycles. An option called a hot water assist can be added to most heat pumps. It will provide significant savings by heating water before it enters your hot water tank.
Do geothermal systems require much maintenance?
No. Geothermal systems are required minimum maintenance involvement. The buried loop will last for generations. The unit’s fan, compressor and pump is housed indoors, protected from the weather and contamination. Usually, periodic checks and filter changes are the only required maintenance.