4 Reasons to Upgrade to a Geothermal Heat Pump

Sep 27, 2016

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Geothermal heat pumps use the constant temperatures underground to make your home comfortable. They have an indoor air handling unit like conventional heat pumps and a network of pipes filled with water or refrigerant. Installing a geothermal system is expensive, but it’s worth the investment. You can save money over time and raise your Liberty City, Texas, home’s value. A geothermal heat pump can improve your indoor air quality, save energy, help you avoid inconvenient breakdowns, and make your home more comfortable.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Geothermal systems don’t bring in air from outside like conventional heat pumps do, so pollen, dirt, dust, and other contaminants can’t enter your home as easily. And unlike conventional systems, the indoor air handler works constantly instead of turning on when it’s too hot or cold. This prevents the air in your home from becoming too dry or too humid. You will be able to reduce opportunities for fungi growth and improve indoor air quality and temperature control. It also distributes the air in your home more evenly than with conventional systems, preventing warm or drafty areas. Because geothermal heat pumps don’t rely on combustion like furnaces do, soot, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants won’t lower your home’s indoor air quality.

Energy Savings

Because geothermal heat pumps transfer heat instead of creating it, they only need a small amount of electricity. Many people get four times more heat energy than the electrical energy their geothermal system uses. The underground pipes use the same water or refrigerant repeatedly, so a geothermal heat pump won’t increase your water bill. The energy you save will eventually pay for your geothermal system, and federal tax credits make geothermal energy even more economical.

Fewer Breakdowns

Most heat pumps, heaters, and air conditioners last for about 15 years. Since no part of geothermal HVAC systems is exposed to harsh weather, breakdowns are rare, and the system can last at least 25 years. They also don’t need as much maintenance as traditional systems. The underground pipes in a geothermal heat pump are made of polypropylene, the same material used in city gas lines, so they can last as long as 50 years. To save money, leave the pipes in place when you need a new indoor unit.

Improved Comfort and Convenience

You can use many geothermal heat pumps to heat water. With an easy upgrade, you can even heat your pool. With a water-source geothermal heat pump, you won’t need a large water heater, so you can save space indoors. There’s also no outdoor unit to interrupt your landscaping plans. Geothermal HVAC systems don’t make any noise outside, and they’re very quiet inside your home.

Hydronic radiant heating pumps hot water from your geothermal heat pump through tubing under your floor or behind your walls. Add radiant heating to your bathrooms for warm, cozy floors after you step out of a bath or shower. Most people use hydronic heating for extra comfort, but it also works as the only heat source for some homes. Many hydronic systems use zoning. Each area or zone has its own thermostat, so family members can change the temperatures in different zones for more personalized comfort. You can also save energy by avoiding heating empty areas.

Several types of geothermal heat pumps are available. Horizontal loops or pipes are best for new homes because installing them will destroy older homes’ landscaping. Vertical loops are better for small lots and existing homes. Most horizontal systems bury pipes in large shallow trenches, while vertical heat pumps use holes about four inches wide and 100 to 400 feet deep. Open-loop geothermal systems transfer heat to and from water instead of soil. The water returns to a lake, pond, or well after it circulates through the heat pump.

JD’s A/C is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with more than 30 years of experience. We can help you install, maintain, and repair your geothermal heating and cooling system, as well as a range of other HVAC systems and equipment. We can also provide heating and cooling for your business. We’re committed to offering our customers personalized attention and excellent service. Call us at (903) 759-7483 for help with choosing the ideal system for your home.

Image provided by Shutterstock

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