Geothermal Cooling And Your Home
Good things come from the earth in the summertime, and that includes an energy-efficient way to cool your home! Maybe it’s time to consider a geothermal cooling system, which offers a clean, energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning units.
What Are Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems (not to be confused with geothermal power that uses the earth’s core to produce heat) utilize the temperature of the earth’s crust to heat and cool homes, businesses, and other buildings. Unlike traditional heating and cooling units that use the outside air to heat and remove heat, residential geothermal heating and cooling systems use the constant temperature of the earth, usually between 45 and 70 degrees, to heat and cool your home.
How Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work to Cool Your Home?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems typically contain three main components: a heat pump, an underground heat exchanger, and a distribution system. These components work through a system of underground pipes called “loops” to distribute warm air during the winter and cool air during the summer. In the summer months, the heat pump actually removes hot air from your home, where it is absorbed by the ground. This process leaves cooler air behind to be circulated throughout your home through the central heating and air ventilation unit.
Why Invest in a Geothermal Cooling System?
Geothermal heating and air systems use less energy than traditional cooling systems, making them much more energy-efficient. Installing a system in your home can be a rewarding investment. Reasons to invest in a system for your home include:
- Reduced electric consumption by 40 to 70 percent, lowering your overall utility bills
- Fewer parts that require less preventative maintenance, potentially lowering heating and air repair costs
- Quiet operation due to smoothly-running equipment
- Cleaner indoor air quality
- Environmentally friendly geothermal units do not emit carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or other greenhouse gases that lead to air pollution
An added bonus? In addition to lower electric bills and long-term investment costs, geothermal cooling systems use the heat removed from your home in the summer months to heat your water, potentially reducing water heating bills by as much as 50 percent. Also, the federal government is offering 30 percent of your investment as a tax credit. This federal incentive is available through the end of 2016, so the time to purchase a geothermal heat pump has never been better! Warmer weather and hotter temperatures are just around the corner. Why not make an investment to save on those summer cooling costs?
If you have any questions about geothermal cooling systems, contact the air conditioning experts at Middleton Heat & Air.
In need of air conditioning service or AC repair? We’ll take care of that, too!