Heat pumps are a popular choice for residents in mild and moderate zones, since they become much less efficient in freezing climates. That makes them a perfect and efficient option for Tampa homeowners, since, despite being called a heat pump, they both heat and cool your home. There are three common types of heat pumps. air-to-air, or air source, heat pumps exchange indoor and outdoor air to meet the temperature that is desired. Water source heat pumps work much the same way, except that they pull and push heat in by way of water. Then there’s geothermal.
How do geothermal heat pumps work?
With geothermal (otherwise known as ground source) heat pumps, the exchange loop is buried into the ground a couple meters. Fluid in the loop determines the raising and lowering of temperature. If you are cooling your home, the heat pump sucks the heat in from the building and uses the fluid in the exchange loop to send it down into the earth, where it will dissipate. If you are heating your home, the process is reversed, the fluid brings heat up from the bottom of the loop and the warmed air in the unit blows into your home.
There are a few benefits to geothermal systems that make it worth consideration!
There’s massive potential for future savings.
Geothermal systems have an exchange loop buried on your lawn, putting the energy source on your property instead of relying on electricity or propane heating. These systems are rising in popularity, and as such there are more improvements being made to make them more efficient. As it currently stands, once installed, geothermal pumps can cut up to half in your energy bill, saving you quite a chunk of change within the next 5 years and bringing in profit from there on out. However, geothermal systems are more expensive at the front end of cost for installation and setup, which can make it daunting. It may be 2-3 years before your investment starts turning into cash flow. On the plus side, you can very likely get a tax credit for installing these systems for the following reason.
They are eco-friendly.
No fossil fuels are burned in the process of heating and cooling your home, reducing your home’s pollution output dramatically. Renewable energy is always preferable, though not always consistent. With devices like wind turbines or solar panels, you are dependent on a changing source of energy that may be stronger or weaker given the day. However, with geothermal systems, you are depending on a reliable source of energy as ground temperatures are constant.
They are reliable with little hassle.
A last but also very desirable reason to switch to geothermal is that they need repair far less often than other heating and cooling units. With everything buried and protected by pipes underground, there’s little to no chance of outside forces tampering with your system. And the system itself has very few mechanical components that would need attention. Should you end up needing repair though, many manufacturers offer decades-long warranties. As with any unit you are thinking of adding to your home, it is important to do research before you make the investment.
Do you think geothermal heating and cooling might be a good fit for your home or do you have more concerns about these systems? Give us a call and we will be happy to answer your questions! Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric has the technicians, the tools, and the professional touch to meet all your heating and cooling needs. Reach us any day of the week from 7 AM to 11 PM at 813-703-2558 or fill out our online form to get started today!