How Geothermal Energy Works and Why to Consider It

Homeowners remodeling their homes seek eco-friendly methods of heating and cooling because the health of planet Earth is important to everyone. Geothermal heating and cooling use Earth’s heat to cool your Charleston, SC, home, and a unit can offer a life expectancy of several decades. This article explains how geothermal HVAC systems work and how you can enjoy their energy efficiency, health benefits, savings and other advantages.

How Do Geothermal Heating and Cooling Work?

The top 8-10 feet of earth around your home remain at around 55 to 60 degrees all year round. A geothermal heating and air conditioning system consists of a small heat pump or heat exchange unit, a closed loop system of piping, an antifreeze solution, and refrigerant.

Heat is drawn out of your house to pass through the antifreeze in the piping and is released into the ground. The warmth in your home is absorbed by the refrigerant, leaving cool air in its wake. It’s called a loop because this process repeats until the ambient temperature reaches your setting.

This type of home air conditioner works with your existing duct system to heat or cool your home. It can be used in homes with little acreage, in which the loops will be vertical, going straight down into the ground. Homes on larger lots can use a horizontal loop system.

If there’s water nearby, such as a pond or lake, a loop system can use the water to conduct the heat out of the house and return cool air. This is referred to as an open loop.

Health Benefits of Geothermal Systems

Forced air central air condition systems distribute air throughout your house via ducts at set temperatures. The air passes through filters to catch allergens and impurities in the air such as biological contaminants, pet dander, or micro-organisms like bacteria. What isn’t caught in the filters can irritate household members who have asthma, allergies, or other lung problems.

Geothermal HVAC air conditioning systems use forced air like traditional HVAC systems, but fewer contaminants affect your home’s indoor air quality. Residents with breathing problems won’t be irritated as much and will breathe much easier.

Life Expectancy and Maintenance

Geothermal heating and cooling systems have fewer mechanical parts. They won’t wear out like conventional HVAC systems would. They require little maintenance over their lifetimes.

Geothermal systems can last up to 50 years as opposed to the 12- to 15-year lifespan of their HVAC system cousins. Their warranty options are more attractive than those of HVAC units. With a geothermal unit, you won’t have to worry about carbon monoxide problems and fire hazards.

Financial Benefits of Geothermal Systems

Fewer mechanical parts mean the system is unlikely to break down or wear out, so maintenance costs will be much less for geothermal heating and air conditioning. Only a tiny bit of electricity is used to operate the heat pump beside the tubing underground, so less is being added to your power bill. Those are the two main financial drains regarding AC systems, so the savings are attractive to homeowners.

Energy Efficiency

Geothermal heating and air conditioning systems reduce peak-time electricity use. They also decrease emissions. Their efficiency reduces our carbon footprint considerably.

This is a renewable source of energy, which means less usage of the electricity grid. The geothermal system’s heat pump lessens electricity usage by up to 70%, making the unit 400% more energy efficient.

Final Thoughts on Geothermal HVAC Systems

Air conditioning is a necessity in the South due to its semitropical heat and humidity. The ocean’s breezes from Charleston Harbor can only do so much to control the effects of the heat, so using an HVAC unit is a must.

Charleston, SC, homeowners considering geothermal air conditioners should contact AC Heating and Air Conditioning Services. Our HVAC professionals are experts and have years of experience in all aspects of residential heating and cooling. We stand ready and eager to answer all your questions about HVAC and geothermal units.

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