What Are the Benefits of Geothermal Systems?

Geothermal systems for homes continue to grow in popularity as more people search for renewable sources of energy that will both save money and benefit the environment. Installing a geothermal heat pump for a house is one of the more affordable and accessible wa ys to achieve both—and they provide fantastic comfort year-round that is superior to standard ground-source heat pumps.

For more than 20 years, the team at Raleigh Heating & Air has delivered heating and cooling services to Wake County and the surrounding areas. When you are ready to look into going geothermal in Wake Forest, NC for your home, set up an appointment with our geothermal specialists.

Here Are the Major Benefits of a Geothermal Heat Pump

• Reliable heating and cooling: Standard heat pumps use the air for heat exchange, but that means they will encounter efficiency issues during temperature extremes. This is especially true during the winter, when a heat pump must strain to extract heat from the chilly outside air. Geothermal systems do not have this problem, since they use the steady temperature of the earth below the frost line, which remains around 55°F, as their source for heat exchange. You won’t have to worry about your heat pump losing its cooling or heating power at any time of the year.
• Energy savings: The reliable temperature of the earth also means that geothermal systems use less energy than standard heat pumps. For example, on a hot summer day, an air source heat pump must use 2.2 kWh in order to generate 10,000 BTUs of cooling; but a geothermal heat pump will only use 1 kWh to generate the same amount. Savings during cold weather are even higher. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that geothermal systems work 300-600% more efficiently in general than air-source heat pumps.
• Longevity: Most home comfort systems operate for 15 years before needing replacement, and that’s with regular maintenance. Geothermal heat pumps can endure longer. The inside heat pump elements can last 20 years, and the ground loops, which are the most expensive part to replace, can endure more than 50 years. You will have many years to enjoy your system’s energy savings.
• Positive for the environment: Geothermal systems create zero greenhouse gas emissions because they circulate water for refrigerant rather than a chemical blend. They also use a renewable source of energy, which eases our need for fossil fuels.

If geothermal systems have one major drawback, it’s that they don’t match every home and property. Without sufficient space to lay the ground loops, a geothermal heat pump cannot properly heat and cool a home. However, modern geothermal systems are flexible, and special loop configurations can fit into smaller areas. Contact us at Raleigh Heating & Air to learn more about the possibilities for using geothermal in Wake Forest, NC for comfort throughout the year.