If you’ve been thinking about more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly ways to heat or cool your home, you might want to consider a geothermal HVAC system.
Currently, about 1.2 million households in the US use geothermal systems, but a report from the Department of Energy suggests that as many as 28 million households could benefit from the cost savings and energy efficiency offered by geothermal heating and cooling.
Not sure exactly what geothermal HVAC is and whether it’s worth it for your home? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Geothermal Heating and Cooling?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems, also known as ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), heat and cool by transferring heat to and from the ground. They take advantage of the fact that the Earth’s underground temperature remains relatively constant even as above-ground temperatures fluctuate with the seasons.
Geothermal systems typically consist of several parts, usually:
- Eothermal loop – a network of buried piping that either holds its own fluids (closed loop), or uses a nearby water source as a heat sink or heat source (open loop).
- Geothermal heat pump – contains the compressor and heat exchanger, and moves fluid through the geothermal loop
- Distribution system – uses either a forced air or water-to-water system to distribute heated or cooled air throughout the home.
Geothermal heating and cooling systems can be used in any climate, but tend to be more popular in areas with colder winter climates. This is likely because although geothermal heating has been around since the 1940s, geothermal cooling is a newer technology. Because of this, geothermal is more popular in newer builds.
How Much Does Geothermal Heating and Cooling Cost?
The cost of installing a geothermal system typically costs about 40% more than a standard HVAC system. Generally, you can expect to pay an all-in cost of $20,000-$40,000 for a regular-sized home in Northern Virginia. This includes permitting, the indoor and outdoor components, and the installation itself.
If you’re wondering whether geothermal heating and cooling is worth it, the answer depends on your current energy bills and how long you plan to stay in your current home. Installing a geothermal HVAC system can slash your heating, cooling and hot water bills by up to 65%, and you’ll generally cover the costs of installation within 10 years. Tax credits of up to 30% are also available in some areas; your utility company might also offer a credit or rebate for installing a geothermal heating and cooling system.
How Long Does Geothermal Heating and Cooling Equipment Last?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are built to last. The indoor components of your system will likely last 25+ years, with ground loops designed to last for 50+ years. In contrast, typical HVAC systems usually have a life expectancy of around 15 to 25 years.
When you weigh the cost savings of geothermal HVAC systems against their longevity, you can see why more and more homeowners are considering opting for geothermal – especially in new builds.
If you’re considering replacing your current HVAC system or want to know whether geothermal is the right choice for your new build, get in touch with the team at Shaw using the form below. We’re always happy to walk you through your options!