The most efficient gas furnace has an efficiency rating of 94%. Geothermal delivers a 400% efficiency rating. 4 units of energy are delivered for every 1 unit of electrical energy. This does not bend the laws of physics; geothermal systems are transferring heat, not creating it by burning something. A more efficient comfort system lowers the bill significantly, up to 70%.
No more noisy picnics. Unlike air conditioners or heat pumps there is no outdoor unit. Geothermal units are very smooth and quiet in operation, comparable to a refrigerator. Geothermal units are also very reliable since the units are not subjected to wear and tear caused by snow, rain, ice, or vandalism.
The EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy recognize geothermal systems as the most environmentally friendly way to heat and cool a home. Unlike other comfort systems, geothermal does not emit carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or other greenhouse gasses which contribute to air quality pollution. Additionally, low electricity demand from geothermal systems help reduce peak grid demand and the need for more electric generating plants. Learn more about the enviornmental impact of a GHP.
There is no combustion in a geothermal heat pump; therefore there is no chance of carbon-monoxide poisoning. By adding high efficiency air cleaners with geothermal, a high indoor air quality level can be reached.
Geothermal systems are usually good for 15+ years. A typical furnace will last 7-10 years with regular maintenance. The ground loop of the geothermal system (the pipes buried in your yard) has a warranty of 50 years. The ground loop is made up of polypropylene pipe, the same pipe which is used in city gas lines.
Geothermal is an investment. For many retrofit applications and especially new construction the energy savings more than offset the cost of installation over a short period of time. Think of geothermal in terms of Net Present Value (NPV). If you install a system which produces significant cash flow savings over its lifetime with a salvage value (equal to the value of the ground loop), the NPV is almost always positive. Many people want to know the “payback” period. We often ask these individuals what the payback period is on their car, or the current payback period of their gas furnace, there is none. Geothermal will produce energy savings, which will equal and exceed the cost of the system installation over a period of time. That period of time is dependent on the situation, but with the recent tax credit the period has decreased nicely. (3-8 years)
