Geothermal Energy Tips
A geothermal heating and cooling system is a fantastic way to save a tremendous amount of money on your monthly energy bills. Here are a few things you may not have known about geothermal heating and cooling and how to keep your geothermal system running smoothly for years to come.
Geothermal Loop Placement
When installing a geothermal system, you will need a loop of pipe in your lawn that coolant can circulate through. Usually this will be a horizontal loop, anywhere from 100 feet to 400 feet in length depending on the size of your heat pump and your home. Since the loop will be buried in your lawn, you should pay close attention to where it is placed and whether it overlaps with any other pipes or wires.
When installing the loop, your contractor should get a permit and check with the local municipality to ensure there are no existing pipes or wires there. However, it is still a good idea to keep a map or diagram on hand so you know where you can and cannot dig on your property in the future.
Geothermal Water Heating
One of the many benefits of a geothermal system is that you can get free hot water in the summer. Your heat pump produces a great deal of heat with the energy it processes. In the winter, that heat is used to warm your home, but in the summer it is simple piped back into the ground or the air. However, with the right adaptors, you can use that heat as an energy source for your water heater instead – all without paying for extra gas or electricity.
Geothermal Energy Savings
If you live in a region that experiences more extreme temperatures, you’ll probably need a vertical loop installation. Vertical installations of new geothermal systems can be high, but you will likely save upwards of half off your monthly cooling and heating bills. Consider the size of your home, the amount of money saved over a comparably high efficiency furnace or air conditioner and the total maintenance required over the life of both system types. A contractor can help you determine which system will be a more effective and efficient option to save you money.
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