It’s no secret that Asheville, North Carolina, is an eco-friendly community set on conserving our area’s rugged mountain scenery. As a homeowner, if you have been making strides to go green, here are a few reasons to consider upgrading to geothermal heating and cooling technology.
Geothermal Systems Don’t Harm the Environment
Unlike traditional HVAC systems, which rely on fossil fuels to operate, geothermal technology simply transfers heat, using only a small amount of electricity to run the necessary components. A geothermal heat pump extracts heat from beneath the earth and transfers it to your home for heating purposes. During the summer months, it removes heat to cool the house down. This type of energy is naturally renewable, making it the most environmentally friendly heating and cooling decision you can make.
Reduced Operating Costs
Because geothermal systems don’t rely solely on electricity, installing one for your home could cut your utility bills by as much as 70 percent. It can deliver as much as a 400 percent efficiency rating! Even the most energy-efficient furnace can’t come anywhere close to producing that kind of efficiency.
Still not sure if the lower utility bills are worth the initial cost? Consider that a geothermal heat pump will immediately start saving you 20 to 50 percent on your cooling bills and 30 to 60 percent on your heating costs.
Quieter Operation
Geothermal systems are by design, quiet systems. Much of the system is buried outside underground, and the other components are constructed using modern technology that makes for smoother and quieter operation. Traditional heat pumps and air conditioners require an outdoor unit and are noticeable when they cycle on or off, but geothermal pumps are super quiet. And because they are not subjected to the same type of wear and tear as an outdoor unit that is exposed to the elements, geothermal units last much longer by comparison.
Longer Lifespan
Geothermal systems aren’t just protected from weather hazards, they are also built to last longer by design. A geothermal system has a life expectancy of up to 30 years, and the ground loop buried beneath your yard usually comes with a 50-year warranty. The typical furnace will only last about 15 years when properly maintained.
There is a downside, however. A geothermal system will cost you anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on your system configuration, plot site, site accessibility, and the amount of drilling required. It is a hefty price to pay upfront, but when you consider that geothermal systems pay for themselves over time and end up providing you with a positive cash flow, that investment is well worth it. There are also tax credits to be considered as well.
Reduced Repair Costs
While it is important to have your geothermal system inspected regularly, it won’t require the same types of maintenance and repair costs as a traditional HVAC system. Geothermal systems are subjected to much less stress and lower operating pressures because they are simply transferring heat rather than producing it.
Heating and Cooling and Hot Water Supply
Geothermal systems provide both heating and cooling in one system. The heat pump simply runs in reverse to remove the heat from your home and transfer to the ground outside. Most units can also provide your home with free hot water, eliminating the need for a separate water heater, which is an incredible perk on its own!
Cleaner and Safer Than Traditional Systems
Combustion appliances, such as gas-powered heaters, can potentially release carbon monoxide into the air, putting your family at risk. While all modern HVAC systems and furnaces are designed to drastically reduce this risk, carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t even a factor in geothermal heating. You simply can’t choose a safer system for your family. What’s more, combining your geothermal system with whole-home air cleaners will result in the cleanest, most breathable indoor air you’ve ever experienced.
Are you ready to make the switch to geothermal heating and cooling technology? Contact Gentry Service Group at (828) 581-4045 to learn how you can be more environmentally friendly at home and enjoy improved indoor air quality.
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