Geothermal heating and cooling in Manassas, Virginia, is an energy-efficient option for your home.
Like heat pumps, a geothermal system moves heat from one place to another. It uses underground loop systems to transfer heat from the earth or your home.
This system harnesses the earth’s stored energy, which can translate into major savings on your energy bill.
When compared to conventional systems, the EPA says homeowners using geothermal heat pumps can save up to 70% on heating and up to 50% on cooling each year. This means you might save between $400 to $1,500 annually, which could help your system pay for itself in just a few years.
A new geothermal system might also make you eligible for utility rebates and tax incentives.
Trust the local pros at Air-Right Energy Design when you want geothermal heating and cooling in Manassas. We’ll help you design the best system for your home.
Eight Benefits of Using Geothermal Energy
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are extremely energy efficient and may last twice as long as conventional systems. Here’s a some other benefits to installing one of these systems at your home:
1. Energy Savings
Most geothermal systems are at least three times more efficient than fossil fuel systems. The EPA has calculated geothermal could save you up to $1,500 annually. These savings could help the system pay for itself in only a couple of years.
2. Longer Life Span
Geothermal systems are likely to last longer than conventional heating and cooling systems, mainly since it’s buried. You can expect your system to last for 20–25 years. Gas furnaces and electric heat pumps typically need to be changed after 15 years.
3. Free Hot Water
Geothermal produces free hot water. It can decrease your power consumption for hot water up to 60%. Your exact savings will depend on your household size and how much hot water your family uses.
Not only does the system make hot water, in most situations it makes “more than free” hot water. This means the unit actually becomes more effective when producing hot water.
4. Combined Heating and Cooling System
A geothermal system can heat and cool your home. You won’t need an air conditioner outside or separate furnace indoors, unless you live in a cold climate. A split heating system is available for areas where temperatures regularly dip below freezing.
5. Better Humidity Control
Geothermal maintains about 50% relative indoor humidity, making it very successful in humid areas.
6. Improved Safety
Since geothermal doesn’t use combustion to supply heat, you don’t have to worry about gas leaks or carbon monoxide.
7. Low Maintenance
There is less maintenance involved with a geothermal system because there is no outside unit. This makes it less prone to failure during hot summers. Since it doesn’t depend on outside temperatures, no defrost controls are needed like a typical heat pump.
8. Quiet Operation
Geothermal is no different than anything else you buy in life. Paying a little now usually means you get less in return. A well-built and properly installed geothermal unit will give you years of quiet operation.
Types of Geothermal Systems
There are two standard types of geothermal systems: open loop and closed loop.
Since these loops are buried underground, initial installation will affect your lawn. However, the loops won’t be visible once the grass has grown back.
Open Loop Geothermal
Open loop geothermal uses groundwater to transfer heat. It can be created to work with a well, pond or lake.
This system is typically the most cost effective and efficient due to consistent groundwater temperatures. However, it’s not always possible due to a lack of groundwater or too much iron in the groundwater. Local code may also prohibit these systems in your area.
Closed Loop Geothermal
Closed loop geothermal uses a continuous loop to transfer water (or antifreeze solution for cold climates) to the earth and back to the geothermal. The water is recirculated in a pressurized pipe instead of adding new water.
There are a few installation options, including horizontal, slinky and vertical.
Call the Geothermal Heating and Cooling Experts at Air-Right Energy Design
A geothermal system is a sound investment in your home. But selecting the right equipment and right company to install it can feel like a difficult process. At Air-Right Energy Design, we make it easy with expert assistance from our heating and cooling pros.
Call us at 703-260-1148 or contact us online to get started today.
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