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Installing a Geothermal Heat Pump can signifantly reduce your energy cost! The following are some frequently asked questions concerning Geothermal:

What is Geothermal?

Geothermal heating and cooling uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool homes and businesses with 40% to 70% less energy than conventional systems.   A few feet beneath the surface, the earth’s temperature remains fairly constant year-round.  While conventional furnaces and boilers burn a fuel to generate heat, geothermal heat pumps use electricity to simply move heat from the earth into buildings, allowing much higher efficiencies. The most efficient fuel-burning heater can reach efficiencies around 95%, but a geothermal heat pump can move up to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity needed to power the system, resulting in a practical equivalence of over 400% efficiency and an endless renewable energy from the earth’s constant ground temperature.

For comprehensive information about Geothermal Heating and Cooling, visit our sister site Geothermal Advantages.

Does Geothermal cost more than conventional HVAC?

Not necessarily.  It depends on how you measure cost. While they sometimes cost more to install in homes than conventional systems because of the ground loop piping, geothermal systems typically have the lowest life-cycle cost of any heating and cooling system. Heating and cooling costs for a typical 2,000-sq.-ft. home can run as low as $1 a day. And when combined with State and Federal tax incentives, it makes the world’s most economical heating & cooling system.

Moreover, installation costs have declined substantially in recent years, and they’re expected to continue to fall, as more builders and contractors offer Geothermal systems, and as the industry develops innovative ways to install the systems faster and more efficiently.

The amount they save the homeowner every month in energy costs is more than enough to offset their higher installation cost.  Geothermal also means extra savings on repair, maintenance, and hot water bills.

Furthermore, the energy efficiency of the system adds value to the home. The National Association of Realtors Appraisal Journal estimated that a home’s value increases by $10 to $25 for every $1 reduction in utility bills.

How much will a Geothermal system cost me?

The prices have a wide range based on a number of variables, such as your home or building’s size and design, the brand and model you choose, your location, etc., so it is difficult to estimate without considering those specific factors.

Are there any financial incentives for installing a Geothermal system?

Yes!  For 2009, in Georgia there are tax credits as well as several utility rebates.   Georgia enacted legislation establishing personal and corporate tax credits for clean energy equipment installed and placed into service. For Geothermal Systems installed for single-family residential purposes, the tax credit is equal to 35% of the cost of the system (including installation) up to $2000. https://etax.dor.ga.gov/

In addition, the Federal Tax Credit offers a 30% tax credit for homeowners who install geothermal heat pump systems in 2009 and later years.  So, for example, if a homeowner pays $15,000 for a geothermal heat pump system installed in 2009, a tax credit of $4,500 could apply. http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm

Other Money Saving Tips:

Check weather stripping around doors and windows.
Damaged or no weather stripping can allow for increased energy cost. A good way to check to see if your weather stripping needs to be changed or added is to close the door and see if light is coming through; if so, then new weather stripping needs to be added.

Keep heating vents and registers clear.
Make sure your vents and registers are not covered or blocked by curtains, furniture, or debris. The vents should be cleaned regularly with a vacuum or broom.

Maintenance of your heating system.
Maintenance can prolong the life of your heating system and reduce energy cost. Filters should also be changed during the maintenance to improve air quality. Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency and operating cost of your heating system. See our Service Contract to find out more about how we can set up annual maintenance for you!

Keep fireplace dampers closed when not using fireplace.
When using the fireplace, make sure the dampers fit tightly.

Cover bare floors.
Carpeting adds heat retention if there is no floor insulation. Floor insulation can be beneficial as well to save on energy cost.

See our Home Performance by Energy Star information for more on how you can increase energy efficiency and decrease energy cost!