Heating and cooling comprise almost 50% of your home’s total energy costs. This is a big chunk of your monthly utility bills, and a big chunk of your carbon footprint! If you’re building a home and would like to make it green and energy-efficient, consider hiring American Air to install a geothermal system.
How do Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems Work?
Geothermal systems utilize the natural temperature of the soil to heat and cool your home. The soil is cooler than the air above it during summer while it is warmer during winter. Depending on your area, the actual soil temperatures range from 450 to 750. Geothermal systems use the heat coming from the ground to heat and cool your home. A series of pipes are placed underground around your home. This underground system of pipes, known as the ground heat exchanger, is attached to a heat pump inside your home.
The system absorbs the water during summer and cools it before transferring into your home for air conditioning. Alternatively, water is absorbed and heated from the soil and transferred to your home through the ground heat exchanger heat during the cold seasons.
The ground heat exchanger should be installed during the early phase of your home construction, as it is a big project that involves the whole building structure.
What are the Advantages of Geothermal Heating and Cooling
- Energy Savings. Compared to oil furnaces, high-efficiency geothermal systems offer an estimated 75% energy savings and 48% savings compared to gas furnaces. This reduces your monthly electric bills and is also advantageous to the environment.
- Environment-friendly. Geothermal systems do not use fossil fuel but use the natural temperature of the ground instead, so it does not emit greenhouse gasses. This system does not have any negative effects on the air quality or environment.
- Durable and Longer Lifespan. Geothermal systems are durable and have a longer lifespan, lasting for up to 30 years while conventional heat pump systems may last for about 10 years.
- Convenience. Geothermal systems transport air into your home in a homogenous manner, decreasing the risk of hot blasts or cold air that are common in conventional systems. These systems reduce the amount of humidity that builds up in the home during the summer months. They also enhance the quality of indoor air and levels of comfort.
- Home Value. Installing a geothermal heating and cooling system in your home will automatically raise the value of your home. While these types of systems are becoming more common, there are not many houses on the market that have them.
Putting together all these advantages offsets the initial investment of installing a geothermal system. Call American Air for a free estimate!