Installing a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) in your home is a large, long-term investment to make, so naturally, it’s expected that you might have some reservations or questions in your mind that you want answered first before you break out your checkbook. We understand this completely, which is why we are not only here to answer the five biggest questions most of our customers have about GHPs, but we are also going to give you a number to call that will connect you with someone who will get the installation job done safely and as quickly as possible.
Can my Geothermal Heating Pump still be used even if it’s cold outside?
Of course! While it is true that the geothermal heat pump will be installed outside under the ground, you do not need to worry about the device freezing or malfunctioning. Earth’s natural underground temperature is consistently between 45-47 degrees Fahrenheit—even if you live somewhere cold. The US Department of Energy has also backed up this claim with a study they did on GHPs in 2009. They looked at where these heat pumps were being installed all around the United States and found that half of all geothermal heat pump shipments in the country went to ten different states: Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. There is a wide variation in climates between all these states, and all have cities with a high population density. Yet, the GHPs installed in all ten of these states run just fine.
Will I Need a Closed Loop or an Open Loop System for my Geothermal Heating Pump?
This is something that a local installation group and HVAC company will be able to help you determine during a quote consultation for your geothermal heat pump. Closed loops tend to be the more commonly used model of heat pumps. Around 85% of geothermal heat pumps used in the US are closed loop systems according to the US Department of Energy. These closed loop systems are made up of a plastic tubing and are buried underground horizontally at six feet deep or vertically at 600 feet deep. However, an open loop system might be used for your GHP depending on the climate, soil conditions, land availability, and access to groundwater where you live. These types of geothermal heating systems use a well to collect surface body water that is then circulated through your heat pump and released back into the ground when it is no longer needed.
How Long Does my Geothermal Heating Pump Last?
Like we said at the beginning of this article, your geothermal heat pump is considered a great long-term investment for your home. This is due to the durability and longevity of the heat pump and source. Once installed, you can expect your geothermal heat pump to last for at least twenty-five years, and the ground loops will last even longer—around fifty years, if not more! This is usually the biggest selling point for anyone looking at buying a GHP for their home. While they are several times more expensive than a traditional HVAC unit, geothermal heating is 65% more efficient than standard HVAC units. Plus, they can pay themselves back in energy savings in around ten years. When you buy your geothermal heat pump, you can expect you will get the most life out of it for the price that you paid.
Is my Geothermal Heating Pump Eco-Friendly?
Absolutely! As we mentioned earlier, GHPs are 65% more efficient than traditional HVAC units. They reduce peak electricity demands in the summer months, and their high efficiency helps to reduce harmful carbon emissions. Reducing these peak electricity demands in the summer goes back to the idea we spoke on in the question about using your geothermal heat in the colder months. Recall that the temperature below ground is consistent, which means you will save money on your electric bill by powering your heat pump with a reliable source of energy to keep your home cool. No more constantly having to move your thermostat up and down! And by cutting down on these carbon emissions, you are slowing down the process of greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming and climate change, helping to keep the air in our atmosphere safer and healthier to breathe. You can trust that when you are installing your geothermal heat pump for your home, you will be making a great contribution to keeping the Earth clean and healthy for generations to come.
Is my Geothermal Heating Pump Good for the Economy?
Indeed, it is. Virtually all parts of your geothermal heat pump, like the ground heat exchangers and the pump, are made in the United States. By buying a GHP, you are not only helping to keep these national production plants in operation, but you’re also providing their factory workers with a stable income. Additionally, the installation of your heat pump can never be outsourced, which means that you will have to hire local contractors to dig the holes and install your geothermal heating system. That also means that you will be supporting small businesses in your area when you buy a geothermal heat pump. You can see why geothermal heat pumps have been used for decades now: they’re reliable, they’re eco-friendly, and they also help to stimulate our economy on a local and national level. The better question we should be asking ourselves here is why you wouldn’t want to get a GHP for your home!
Who to Call to Help You Install your New Geothermal Heating Pump
City Heating and Air Conditioning has been offering consistent and quality services for East Tennessee homes and businesses since 1961 and has worked with a variety of HVAC units—including geothermal heating. When you call or email us for a quote, you can expect that your new geothermal heat pump will be correctly installed by a team of seasoned experts who are committed to getting the job done right on the first try every time. There’s truly no one better in East Tennessee than City Heating and Air Conditioning to help you make sure your home is ready for the major long-term investment that is owning and installing a new GHP. Find out more about us online and register for a quote with us today at cityheatandair.com/contact/.