Should You Invest in a Geothermal Heat Pump?

Geothermal technology is nothing new—earliest examples date back thousands of years. The technology used today for energy systems such as a geothermal heat pump may be more sophisticated in design, but the basic principles remain. Whether you’re looking to replace your existing heating and cooling system, or are in the process of building a new home, you may be wondering if you should invest in a geothermal heat pump. The answer just might surprise you.

For geothermal heat pump installation in Northern Virginia, contact John Nugent & Sons today!

How Does A Geothermal Heat Pump Work?

This age-old technology relies on thermal energy (naturally found within the Earth), and minimal amounts of electricity, to cool, or heat your home.  Like a traditional above ground heat pump, the geothermal model utilizes high-pressure refrigerant to trap, and propel heat back and forth between the indoors and outdoors via a loop system, made up of high density, polyethylene coils, and filled with an antifreeze solution. But where does this heat come from?

Regardless of where you live, the climate varies throughout the year, but no matter what the temperature is above ground, the temperature below ground remains fairly consistent, since the earth absorbs close to 50 percent of the energy (in the form of heat) from the sun.

During the heating phase, heat is absorbed from the ground by the loop system, and transported to the above ground heat pump where it is then condensed, and distributed throughout your home. During the cooling phase, the process is carried out in reverse: excess heat is extracted from your home, and distributed to the underground loop system, where it’s then absorbed by the cooler earth.

Is A Geothermal Heat Pump A Good Investment?

As with any type of HVAC system, there are pros and cons to installing a geothermal heat pump, and only you can decide if it’s a worthwhile investment.

Advantages of Geothermal Heating

• It costs less to operate. Because a geothermal system transfers heat, rather than creating it, it operates at a much higher efficiency level than a conventional heating and cooling system. In fact, the most high efficiency furnace on the market today operates at close to 95 percent efficiency—whereas a geothermal heat pump, operates at closer to 400 percent.
• It’s quiet. The noise from the outdoor unit of an air conditioner or heat pump is disruptive to both you, and your neighbors. The noise from the components of a geothermal unit are comparable to that of a refrigerator.
• It’s environmentally friendly. No burning of fossil fuels, and minimal usage of electricity, make this type of system the most eco-friendly method of heating and cooling on the market today.

Disadvantages of a Geothermal Heat Pump

• Upfront costs. Many homeowners find the initial cost of a geothermal heat pump to be daunting, which is on average, 40 percent higher than standard HVAC equipment.
• Installation can be tricky. While easier on a new home, where landscaping has yet to be established, there are still a number of obstacles. And because this technology is relatively new, there is less competition to choose from, contributing to elevated costs.

Geothermal Heating in Northern Virginia

So if you’re ready to make the switch to geothermal heating, give us a call. We’ll give you all the options for your new geothermal heat pump so you can find the best model for your home. The geothermal heating systems we carry are top quality, so you can feel confident in your purchase. And at John Nugent & Sons, we truly care about your satisfaction, and that’s why you can feel good when you choose to work with us. We’ll get you the geothermal heating system you need so you can experience the many benefits of going green. If you’re ready to install geothermal heating in Arlington, Reston, Centreville or wherever you live in Northern Virginia, give us a call or fill out a contact form online!