Are Geothermal Heat Pumps Worth It?

Is your gas or electric HVAC system nearing the end of its lifespan? Are you interested in learning how a clean, energy efficient, renewable heating and cooling system harnesses the energy of the earth to both heat and cool your home? If you answered yes, then read on to find out how a geothermal heat pump could be the best home comfort system for you.

How Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Work?

Unlike traditional HVAC systems that burn fossil fuels, geothermal heat pumps use the heat of the earth to keep your home comfortable all year round. For homeowners, the most common type of geothermal setup is the closed-loop system. Trained technicians bury a high-density polyethylene pipe at least 4 to 6 feet underground where the ground temperature stays constant. The loop system is filled with an environmentally friendly antifreeze solution that absorbs heat from the earth and sends it through a heat exchanger. In the winter, the heat exchanger delivers warm air into your home through ductwork and in the summer, the process reverses.

Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps

Although the initial installation costs are higher than those for traditional heating and cooling systems, geothermal heat pumps offer a tremendous return on investment for many reasons.

• Energy efficiency – According to the Department of Energy, a geothermal heat pump can save you 25-50% on your heating and cooling costs. The system efficiently uses one unit of electricity to move three units of heat from the earth. Estimates show you can recoup your initial installation costs in as little as three to five years.
• Environmental-friendliness – Geothermal heat pumps release 72% less harmful emissions into the air than traditional gas or electric HVAC systems.
• Humidity control – Geothermal systems naturally keep your home at a constant 50% humidity level all year round, which is the perfect level for a comfortable home.
• Longevity – The underground system of a geothermal unit can last up to 50 years. The indoor air handler has few moving parts, is extremely quiet, and can last 20 years or more.
• Low maintenance – Unlike traditional HVAC systems that have many moving parts that can degrade or malfunction over time, a geothermal unit requires little maintenance. Periodic checks of the underground system and filter changes for the indoor air handler are usually the only maintenance needed.
• Safety – Since geothermal heat pumps don’t use fossil fuels, you’ll never have to worry about a catastrophic accident from carbon monoxide leaks or fire.

The Environmental Protection Agency endorses geothermal heat pumps as the most environmentally friendly, cost-effective heating and cooling system available today. The agency reports that one geothermal unit has the same positive environmental effect as planting 750 trees or eliminating two cars from use.

Choose Shanklin for Geothermal Heat Pump Installation

At Shanklin Heating, Air Conditioning, & Electric, we specialize in geothermal heat pump installation. Ohio’s temperate climate makes these highly efficient systems the perfect heating and cooling choice for the residents of Dalton and Massillon.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from installing a geothermal heat pump.