5 Benefits of a Geothermal HVAC System

Homeowners in Charlotte, North Carolina, are always interested in economical heating and cooling solutions. And lately, more homeowners are turning to geothermal solutions to heat and cool their homes. These systems work like heat pumps, transferring heat to homes in winter and away from them in summer, and they can increase a home’s value and help the environment by reducing pollution. Here are five other reasons you might consider installing a geothermal HVAC system.

Energy Savings

Geothermal systems are even more efficient than conventional heat pumps. Temperatures underground and underwater don’t fluctuate with the seasons as much as air temperatures do, so transferring heat takes less energy. Although geothermal units are more expensive and more difficult to install than most other systems, their improved efficiency means they can pay for themselves over time through utility savings. You could also be eligible for tax credits that make a geothermal system an even better energy-saving investment.

Durability

All the components of a geothermal HVAC system are indoors or underground, so you’ll never have to worry about damage to an outdoor unit from bad weather. Most conventional HVAC systems and furnaces generally last for 15 to 20 years, while geothermal heaters and air conditioners can run well for 25 years and longer. The network of pipes — usually made of polypropylene, the same material in many municipal gas lines — can work for decades longer and require little maintenance.

Comfort and Convenience

While many homeowners use geothermal HVAC systems to heat their home’s air, you might not realize you can also use many of these systems to heat water — even your pool. One big benefit of heating water this way is you’ll no longer need valuable space in your home to store a water heater. And because they don’t have outdoor units, geothermal units are also quieter than conventional heat pumps.

With many geothermal heaters and air conditioners, you can add hydronic or radiant heating with pipes to your floors. This way, you can heat the floor when you wake up or take a shower without having to also increase the temperature in the rest of your home. In some homes, radiant heating is the only heat source. It’s often controlled with a programmable thermostat that lets you set different temperatures for individual areas or zones. You can make changes from a central location, or you can remotely connect to your programmable thermostat from anywhere with your computer or smartphone.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Geothermal HVAC systems don’t bring outdoor air into your home like most other units, so it’s easier to keep pollen, dirt, dust, and other contaminants out of your home. The indoor air handler works constantly to push more air through your system’s filter, improving your indoor air quality and eliminating stale air and bad smells.

Ample Selection Options

There are several types of geothermal heat pumps that you can choose from. Horizontal loops are parallel with the ground, while vertical loops go down like a well. A vertical loop is better for an existing home, because it won’t disrupt the landscaping as much as a horizontal loop does. And while horizontal loop systems are less costly, you’ll need a larger lot to bury the pipes.

An open-loop geothermal system uses underwater pipes to transfer water from an available water source (like a well or a pond). After the water passes through the heat pump, it returns to that water source. These systems are economical to install because less digging is required. However, you’ll need a source of clean water near your home that’s large enough to submerge the pipes.

In contrast, closed-loop systems use the same refrigerant or water for long periods of time, and they don’t usually act as water heaters.

When it comes to installing the best geothermal system for your home, you can trust the experts at Dulin Mechanical. We’ve got the experience and reputation you need to help you make the right choice for your home. Call us anytime at (704) 237-3641 for outstanding, friendly service.

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