Geothermal heat pumps are an energy-efficient option for cooling your home in climates like ours here in the Dayton area. In fact, according to EnergyStar, geothermal systems with the Energy Star label “are over 45 percent more energy efficient than standard options.”
Versatile geothermal air conditioning systems can be installed on smaller properties as well as large ones. The same system also heats the home and can provide for hot water needs. In addition to flexibility, some of the reasons local homeowners choose geothermal power are:
- Low operating costs – The system will take you off the grid, at least partially, and save on utility bills.
- Clean energy – The system will reduce your carbon footprint.
- Low maintenance and long life – A geothermal system has few moving parts to maintain and lasts an average of 25 years.
- Federal tax credits – The credit for this green technology is one of the most generous at 30 percent of costs with no upper limit.
Installation options
- Limited property area – If your property is smaller or you have lots of landscaping to preserve, a drilling rig can install the necessary piping for your system. Pipes extend vertically into the ground from 100–400 feet and are often placed about 20 feet apart.
- Large open area – In this case, pipe loops are installed horizontally with a backhoe at a depth of only 4 to 6 feet.
- Well or ground-water source – For properties with a pond and sufficient water supply, piping can be located about 8 feet under the water’s surface. For properties with a well, an open piping system will be installed to direct water to and from the home.
Contact the pros at Ace Hardware Home Services for further information about geothermal air conditioning (heat pump) systems. We can help you determine the recoup period for a new system based on the projected utility savings and tax credit. We’ll also explain the installation options for your particular property. Feel free to contact our full-service shop for any heating, cooling or ventilation need.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. To get started, check out our website or request an appointment.
