Is a geothermal heat pump in your future? While these underground systems can carry a higher price tag than their above-ground counterparts, a geothermal heat pump is more efficient at heating and cooling your Hamel, IL, home. Ernst Heating & Cooling is here to help you decide if a geothermal heat pump is right for you.
To understand the benefits of a geothermal heat pump, it’s important to understand how it’s different from a traditional heat pump system. Traditional heat pumps work by pulling heat from the outside air during the winter, using that heat to keep your Metro East area home cozy. In the summer, the heat pump works in reverse, pulling the warm air out of your home and expelling it outdoors. This is an ideal situation when the outdoor temperatures cooperate. But our area’s extreme highs and lows may make it difficult for a traditional heat pump to pull in or flush out heat.
A geothermal heat pump uses a series of underground pipes, or “ground loops,” to transfer heat between the ground and your home. The system pumps water through the pipes, cooling it to ground temperature in the summer and warming it in the winter. It’s then piped into your home’s indoor unit, where it passes over a set of coils before being blown through your home’s ductwork. Because the underground temperature doesn’t fluctuate as much as the outdoor air, your heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard to create the comfortable indoor temperatures your family craves.
Geothermal heat pump benefits
Geothermal heat pumps carry many advantages:
They’re environmentally friendly. A geothermal system doesn’t use as much energy as a traditional system and is considered one of the most energy-efficient methods of heating and cooling a home. Homeowners may see a reduction of up to 70 percent in heating and cooling costs.
They are lower maintenance and last longer. The indoor portion of a geothermal heat pump can last for more than 25 years, and the underground loop has a 50-year warranty. This return on your investment may be reflected in an increased home value.
They may be safer. Because geothermal heat pumps do not rely on combustion for heat, they help your family avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning problems.
You may qualify for a tax credit. Check your local government websites to determine if you’ll enjoy further savings after installing a geothermal heat pump.
Ernst Heating & Cooling was one of the first area HVAC companies to install geothermal heat pumps. If you would like to learn more about geothermal heating and cooling options, reach out to Ernst Heating & Cooling at 618.217.1836 or schedule service online.