Over the years, geothermal heating and cooling has developed a reputation as an outstanding source of home comfort. Unfortunately, that reputation has also been tarnished by several myths. Here are five of those myths and the actual facts.
- Geothermal heating and cooling is expensive: You can expect the first costs of purchasing and installing a geothermal system to be more than a traditional furnace or air conditioner. Once the system is in place, however, it operates at a relatively low cost. An investment in geothermal can often be recovered in monthly savings alone within a few years.
- Geothermal systems are inappropriate for some geographical areas: Since geothermal systems use either the ground or a body of water for heat capture and release, they are not affected by extremes of temperatures on the surface. Even if the outdoor temperature is well below freezing, the loop pipes are buried at a depth where the temperature stays about the same all year long, providing consistent access to heat.
- Geothermal systems can’t be used in urban environments: A typical geothermal installation does require substantial outdoor ground space for installing the loop pipes. However, in urban areas or locations where a horizontal installation won’t work, the loop can be installed vertically in holes drilled a few hundred feet into the ground.
- Geothermal installations ruin lawns and landscaping: If you are installing a ground-based geothermal system, it’s true that some trenching and excavating will be required to install the loop. However, professional geothermal installers know how to perform this work with the least possible disruption of your lawn.
- Geothermal systems are not renewable energy: Geothermal systems are highly efficient sources of heating, consuming one unit of electricity to move three to five units of heat. They are quiet, safe, and environmentally friendly sources of home heating and cooling.
Ace Hardware Home Services Heating and Air provides top-quality heating and cooling services to HVAC customers in Dayton and the neighboring Ohio communities. Contact us today for more information on geothermal heating and cooling and for facts about this highly efficient form of home comfort system.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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