Advantages of Geothermal Heating
The fall season is a good reminder that it’s time to start thinking about the task of heating your home throughout the winter. According to the Department of Energy, the typical family in the United States spends about $1,900 a year on utility bills. Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. The key to saving energy and money is to search for energy efficient improvements for your home.
A Central, Northern & Upstate New York State
geothermal home comfort system utilizes the abundant source of free solar heat energy stored in the earth. It uses a series of pipes (an earth loop) buried in the ground to move that heat into a home during the winter. According to the specialists at Geostar, most systems are easy to install in both new and retrofit situations. In addition to the ground loop (either horizontal or vertical), the system also requires ductwork to distribute conditioned air through the Central, Northern & Upstate New York State home or business.
Although the initial investment in a geothermal system may be higher than the investment in a regular system, the long-term return on that investment makes it one worthwhile. The energy source is both free and renewable, and the average system lifespan exceeds 24 years—compared to 15 years for a traditional system.
For most homes, the payments connected with installing the new system will be completely covered by the monthly savings from having an energy-efficient geothermal system. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deems geothermal one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available.
Installation of a geothermal system begins with a visit from your Central, Northern & Upstate New York State geothermal dealer. The dealer will measure your house, analyze your heating and cooling needs and review your property to decide the best location for your loop system. If your house doesn’t have a preexisting duct system, your geothermal dealer can easily retrofit your home and install one.
Once installed, a geothermal system requires less maintenance than a standard heating and cooling system and runs more efficiently, delivering an impressive five units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. That translates to a 500 percent efficiency rating and savings up to 70 percent for heating, cooling and hot water costs.
Another benefit -- geothermal systems use no fossil fuel and produce no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases. Homeowners experience added comfort, improved indoor air quality and less noise as they minimize their carbon footprint.
Central, Northern & Upstate New York State homeowners that put in a geothermal system before December 31, 2016 can benefit from a federal renewable energy tax credit of 30% the total cost of the system. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this tax incentive is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009. Homeowners may also take advantage of utility rebates and state tax incentives where available to make geothermal systems more affordable than ever.