What is Geo Thermal Cooling and Heating?
At Ace, we specialize in Sacramento HVAC systems. But, as experts in cooling, we also know that just a few feet below the surface of California’s Central Valley is an alternate source of cooling. Solar radiation. It keeps the earth a consistent temperature of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Some homeowners are taking advantage of this source of heat energy to install geo thermal heating and cooling systems in their homes.
Geothermal Technology
Geothermal HVAC systems are heat pumps that move heat from one location to another. Like a conventional air conditioner, they use refrigerant to extract heat from the surrounding air or soil and move it elsewhere. The thermal heat is accessed by installing a ground loop, a system of pipes buried in ground. In the winter, underground heat is collected, condensed and delivered to interiors through an air distribution system. During the summer, the system reverses at the flick of a switch. The heat pump the pulls heat from indoor air and uses the ground source as a heat sink.
Energy-Efficient Solutions
Geo thermal heat pumps can move up to five times the amount of energy that they use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geo thermal heat pumps are currently the most energy-efficient option when it comes to residential cooling and heating systems. They’re 70 percent more efficient than conventional fuel-burning heating systems and around 50 percent more efficient than traditional high-efficiency air conditioning systems.
Installation and Operating Costs
Although geo thermal pumps are more expensive to install than traditional systems, upfront costs are recouped through savings on monthly energy bills. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), installation costs are typically recovered within 5 to 10 years. Geo thermal heat pumps are eligible for the federal government’s Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit as well, an incentive program that can pay for as much as 30 percent the system’s installation costs. Geo thermal HVAC systems offer a longer service life than most conventional heating and cooling systems. Indoor components can last 25 years or more. The service life for the ground-loop equipment is more than 50 years.
If you are considering geo thermal for your next home cooling investment, be sure to find experts with a solid track record of service. As Sacramento HVAC experts, we pride ourselves on customer service and commitment to the systems we service and install. Keeping your HVAC serviced and tuned up annually also provides environmental benefits and cost savings. Questions? Call Ace Plumbing today!