Utilizing subsurface heat that maintains a stable temperature year round,
geothermal heat pumps can heat and cool more efficiently than virtually any other HVAC system. Geothermal heat pump owners can reduce their yearly energy spending anywhere from 30% to 60%. Many typically pay off the installation cost in 5 to 10 years. If you're building a new home or upgrading your HVAC system, you need to consider a geothermal heat pump. However, before you buy, you really should understand geothermal property requirements to determine if your home can properly accommodate the technology.
Area
Unlike a conventional HVAC system, a geothermal heat pump uses a buried heat transfer network to achieve superior energy efficiency. This saves money, but the systems usually require far more space than conventional equipment.
Before you buy, make sure you have the space necessary to accommodate the system you want. Most modern residential housing lots can support a horizontal loop, the industry standard. For smaller properties, vertical loops are an available alternative.
Additionally, make sure you consider how the installation will affect your current landscaping. Some plants or lawn fixtures may need to be moved temporarily or permanently to make space for the new system. And be sure to find out if there are any buried cable, gas or electric lines running under your property. If there are and you damage them, the utility company will bill you for the repairs.
Water
Homeowners who live next to a pond or lake may only require minimal digging for to install a geothermal heat pump. A closed pond/lake loop is an excellent alternative to the conventional horizontal or vertical ground system. Even better is an open loop geothermal heat pump using a pond, lake or well.
Before any of these options are considered, find out if your local water chemistry is compatible with geothermal heat pump systems. Some local municipalities do not allow open loop systems and that is something you need to investigate as well.
Soil
Of all the geothermal property requirements, the main thing many people overlook is dirt. Local soil and rock composition plays a significant role in how effectively a buried loop transfers heat. Superior soil will require less buried piping. Of course, inferior soil will need more. If you live in an area with a lot of hard rock it might be more economic to use a vertical loop installation than the conventional horizontal loop.
Most people have no idea regarding the soil conditions beneath their home, which is completely understandable. To find out more about your region, you could contact the geology department at a local university. Chances are you can find a geologist willing to talk to you about regional soil and he (probably) won't charge you a dime.
Lifestyle
Are you ready to save massive, massive amounts of money every month on your heating and cooling bill? Do you have a plan to spend all that money? If you're not ready to adapt to the savings, a geothermal heat pump may not be right to you.
Provided you hit all the right geothermal property requirements, call us today to find the best unit to fit you and your home.
