Is Geothermal Heating and Cooling Right for My Home or Business?

With the definite need to seek out renewable energy sources, more and more people are considering Geothermal systems to heat and cool their home. Let’s take a look at the basics of geothermal heating and cooling to determine if it is the right fit for your home and/or business.

How Does It Work?

Geothermal energy is everywhere and literally right beneath our feet! Geothermal HVAC systems use energy extracted from the Earth to dependably distribute heating and cooling, as the energy extracted remains at a constant temperature throughout the year, no matter what the weather above ground may be.

A geothermal heat pump transfers heat from the ground to your home, cottage or business through long loops of underground pipes filled with liquid, either water or an antifreeze solution. The loops are hooked up to a geothermal heat pump in your home, which acts as both a furnace and an air conditioner.

During the heating season, the liquid pulls heat from the ground and delivers it to the geothermal heating and cooling unit and then to refrigerant coils, where the heat is distributed through a forced-air or hydronic system. During the cooling season, the process runs in reverse. The pump removes heat from your house and transfers it to the earth. Many units can provide domestic hot water as well.

Efficiency

Geothermal energy is MUCH more efficient than conventional heating systems because it doesn’t burn fuel to create warmth; it simply moves existing heat from one place to another. Geothermal systems provide heating and cooling more evenly than conventional equipment resulting in a significant increase in home comfort.

Cost

75% of geothermal energy is free! The initial investment to install a geothermal system will vary based on a variety of factors but most users will see a payback of capital costs in less than 5 years. The price varies depending on the type of loop system installed, the equipment used and the cost of skilled labour. Since more work is required to install geothermal systems, this also changes the initial install cost. Installing a geothermal system is DEFINITELY NOT a DIY project!

Benefits

Geothermal systems have a much longer life cycle than conventional HVAC systems. Traditional HVAC equipment has a life expectancy of 15-20 years. Geothermal systems have a longer life cycle: 25 years for the mechanical equipment and 50-plus years for the in-ground loop.

Geothermal energy is considered renewable with no fossil fuels used. The water that is removed is put right back into the ground after its heat is used. With a geothermal heat pump, there’s no onsite combustion and therefore no emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases. Nor are there any combustion-related safety or air quality issues inside the house.