Why are Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems Energy-Efficient?
When you’re ready to install a new HVAC system in your Sumter, SC, area home, you’ll have a lot of options to consider. If you’re interested in lowering your monthly energy costs and reducing your home’s carbon footprint, a geothermal HVAC system is a wise choice. Consider these reasons why geothermal heating and cooling systems are energy-efficient.
Consistent Underground Temperatures
Geothermal HVAC systems include an underground loop that transfers heat between your house and the Earth. The loop goes about 30 feet below the soil’s surface. According to the Department of Energy, the Earth’s temperature at this depth is consistent year-round in all locations. At 30 feet below the soil line, the temperature is 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This consistency facilitates shifting heat from your home to the Earth in the summer and from the Earth to your home in the winter months of the year.
Movement of Heat
A geothermal heat pump doesn’t create heat, which is another reason why it’s more energy-efficient than a furnace, air-source heat pump or another type of heating system. Instead of generating heat with electric resistance coils, it simply moves heat between your Sumter home and the Earth. The heat transfer doesn’t require burning any fuel, making a geothermal system safe and clean.
Level of Efficiency
While geothermal heat pumps do require some electricity for the motor and fan, they create three to five units of energy for each unit they consume. Overall, this makes a geothermal heating and cooling system 300 to 400 percent efficient. Your utility bills could drop by 65 percent or more as a result of this improved energy efficiency. To further boost the energy efficiency of a geothermal heat pump, make sure your home’s air ducts are in good condition and properly sealed to avoid air leaks.
To learn more about geothermal heating and cooling systems, check out Air Solutions Heating and Cooling’s geothermal HVAC services, or call us today.