For years we’ve been relying on clumsy systems full of chemicals to heat and cool our homes while a more reliable, efficient source was beneath our feet.
Geothermal heating and cooling, which has been around for decades, is just starting to gain popularity thanks to new methods of installation that are cheaper and less invasive.
The idea behind geothermal heating/cooling is to use the stable temperature from deep under the ground to warm or cool air. The heart of the system is an indoor heat pump that either extracts or injects warm air. A system of pipes runs from deep underground to the pump at the surface.
When the system is set to cool, the pump extracts hot air from the house and runs it through the tunnel where it’s cooled by the earth. When it’s set to heat, it takes cold air from the house and warms it.
The system is similar to a conventional air conditioner, but instead of using chemical coolants to chill the air, it uses the natural temperature of the earth. In addition to making it more environmentally friendly, it also means the system is more efficient.
Geothermal systems are also able to do more than just heat and cool your home. They can also be used as a water heater. Because they’re so cost-effective to run, they can also heat swimming pools, patios or other outdoor areas at a lower cost than traditional systems.
Since the pipes are deep in the ground, there’s far less chance they’ll be damaged due to bad weather, animals or weather exposure. The indoor unit is as quiet as a refrigerator, so even if you hear a slight buzz at first it will soon fade into the background. The unit’s placement means it begins with air that has already been through a temperature control cycle. Some units have been in place for 20 years and have undergone only a few small repairs. The pipes themselves are slated to last 50 or more years without repair.
Because of the longevity of the system, it could easily pay for itself even when operated using normal energy levels. Geothermal systems take a little more money up front to put in, but some only take two years to pay for themselves. Others can take up to 10 years, which is still well under a quarter of their expected lifetime.
Installing the system does require a small amount of digging. The process has become much less invasive in recent years, but the pipes still have to be laid directly into the ground. There are several different ways pipes can be laid, but all of them require a lot of space. Homeowners with small backyards will have problems finding enough room for the system.
For those with the yard space and the money to install a system, geothermal heating and cooling can be a cheaper, greener way to keep your family comfortable.