We’re sure that most of our customers in East Tennessee are very familiar with the more traditional methods of heating and cooling their home or business. Heat pumps, gas furnaces, air conditioning units; all are common and proven appliances, each with their own pros and cons. However, many people don’t realize that geothermal heat pumps—electrically powered systems that use the earth’s constant temperature as an exchange medium, rather than outside air—have been in use since the 1940’s and, in many cases, are a great option, even in our area!
Although we very often experience seasonal temperature extremes —from scorching heat in the summer to single digits in the winter—below the earth’s surface the ground temperature remains relatively constant. Like a cave, this ground temperature is warmer than the air above it during the winter and cooler than the air in the summer. A geothermal heat pump utilizes this constant temperature by exchanging heat with the earth through a heat exchanger, allowing the unit to heat, cool, and, with some units, even function as a water heater. Compared to air source heat pumps, geothermal units are quieter, last longer (with less maintenance), and have no dependence on the temperature of outside air. True, the installation costs can be a bit higher than more traditional units, but the cost savings add up quickly, typically covering the cost of the unit within 5-10 years.
If you’re interested in learning more about geothermal options, and whether or not they’d be right for your home or business, just click HERE to get in touch with us today! We’d be happy to evaluate your particular situation and guide you down the path to the right system for your particular situation.