When it comes to keeping your Peoria, IL home comfortable, you have plenty of options. A geothermal heat pump is one option that doesn’t get as much attention as others. A geothermal heat pump provides outstanding comfort and exceptionally efficient operation. It can also be a great way to save money without compromising on comfort. Since these systems have some unique characteristics, it’s important to consider the benefits of a geothermal heat pump to ensure it’s what you want to install. Here is a basic guide from Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to help you make the best choice for your home.
Geothermal Heat Pumps Explained
A geothermal heat pump takes advantage of the fairly constant below-ground temperatures around your home. A geothermal heat pump has long metal tubes that gets buried in the ground. As the refrigerant circulates underground, it can either expel heat energy or absorb heat energy. This allows the refrigerant to heat or cool your home. Since the system only transfers energy from one place to another, a geothermal system can heat and cool your home with exceptional efficiency.
Lower Energy Usage
A geothermal heat pump is merely an energy mover. Moving heat energy from one place to another doesn’t require much external energy input. Traditional HVAC systems, on the other hand, use significant amounts of energy because they have to change energy from one form to another. For example, a furnace transforms electricity or natural gas into energy that heats the air as it passes by a heating element or heat exchanger. Since this process is not perfectly efficient, some potential energy from the electricity or fuel is lost.
Potential Tax Credits and Rebates
It is in the best interest of cities and states to encourage their residents to utilize energy-efficient appliances in their homes. Lower energy usage puts less strain on the energy infrastructure, making the entire region a better place to live. For this reason, many cities and states offer tax credits and rebates if you invest in a geothermal heat pump. In many cases, you can also take advantage of federal tax rebates that help you save even more. The experienced pros at Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you find all of the rebates you’re eligible for to help make your geothermal heat pump as affordable as possible.
Geothrmal Is Easy on the Environment
A geothermal heat pump is a great way to help protect the environment for future generations. In the summer, a geothermal heat pump doesn’t release heat energy into the already hot air like a typical air conditioner. Furthermore, geothermal heat pumps use much less energy, releasing fewer greenhouse gases than conventional systems. Another important reason why geothermal systems are easy on the environment is that the systems tend to last much longer than other types of heating and cooling systems. The pump and other above-ground equipment can last for up to 25 years, compared to as little as 15 years for other systems. In addition to saving you money, this longer lifespan reduces waste, resulting from the manufacturing process.
Other Benefits
Geothermal systems can do more than heat and cool your home. They can also create enough hot water to meet your home’s needs at a fraction of the cost of a conventional water heater. Thus, your home’s two biggest energy users can be eliminated and replaced with one efficient and long-lasting system. Plus, geothermal systems don’t have unsightly exterior components like a typical HVAC system. If you’ve ever worried about someone stealing your exterior compressor unit to sell for scrap, you’ll be glad to know that a geothermal heat pump doesn’t have any above-ground components outside your home. Finally, a geothermal heat pump is exceptionally quiet. This means that you can install indoor equipment in an area like a basement bedroom without your system disturbing a family member’s slumber.
Your Geothermal Experts
Installing a geothermal heat pump is a big and complicated job. The pros at Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. take pride in installing these systems correctly to give our customers years of trouble-free operation. We also install conventional HVAC systems, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and more. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, you can count on us to deliver great results on your next HVAC project. This consistency is one reason we continue receiving five-star reviews from our customers. To learn more about what a geothermal system can do for you, contact us at Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today.
