With all the choices, this can be a daunting task. So what environmentally-friendly option truly gives you the most benefit? The answer is geothermal energy. Offering a clean, quiet and cost-efficient form of renewable energy, geothermal heating and cooling systems can markedly lower your annual household utility expenses.
How does geothermal work? Simply put, the ground absorbs almost 50 percent more heat than the air, and this underground heat is what geothermal systems utilize. In order to bring this power to your home, the system warms up liquid-filled pipes, then it pulls this liquefied heat to the surface, where it is dispersed through traditional ductwork and released into the air. As for cooling, the opposite process occurs, with the hot air being drawn back to the pipe system and exhausted into the ground.
The majority of the installation is done indoors and underground, making geothermal power durable and safe from harsh weather conditions, with the underground pipes able to last, on average, up to 50 years. Also, with no loud fans to install, this durable and lasting power source is a quiet and unobtrusive one as well.
The efficiency of geothermal systems is further enhanced with energy distributed to a heat pump, which is able to often quadruple a unit of energy, or produce up to four dollars for every one dollar of heat it consumes to condition air. In addition, considering that the earth is constantly absorbing heat, you're guaranteed to have an unlimited supply of energy for as long as you use the system. Homeowners often see a return on their investment within the first 10 years, due to geothermal's efficiency.
With all of the benefits that a geothermal system offers, it's no wonder that homeowners are beginning to make the switch. If you have questions regarding the potential for geothermal energy in your own home, contact Rodenhiser for an expert consultation today. We have served Massachusetts for more than 80 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about geothermal systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
