Debunking Three Common Geothermal Heat Exchanger Myths
Posted on: 8 October 2014
A geothermal heat exchanger, also referred to as a heat pump, can be an energy-efficient way to heat your home in the winter and keep in cool in the summer. However, many people do not give this heating and cooling option as much consideration as they should due to a few myths that are floating around about it. Here are three common myths about geothermal heat exchangers and the truth regarding those myths.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems are Expensive
One of the most common excuses people have for not considering geothermal heat for their homes is cost. If you were to compare the cost of installing a furnace, air conditioner or HVAC unit to the price of installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, you would find that the geothermal option is significantly more expensive. However, if you are only looking at only the initial cost of the units, you can see why this myth is so common.
When you are comparing the costs of a heating and cooling system, you should look at more than the initial purchase price and installation costs. You should be looking at how long the appliance will last and how much it will cost to run. A geothermal heating and cooling system can reduce your heating and cooling energy costs by as much as 70 percent. And the unit can last upwards of 25 years when properly maintained and cared for. Additionally, there are many rebates and tax credits available if you select a geothermal heating and cooling system, which further reduces your initial purchase price.
If you take into account the initial purchase price of your heating and cooling equipment, the monthly cost to run the appliance and the length of their lifespan, you will find that a geothermal heating and cooling system is no more expensive than more traditional options.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems are New
Another reason why people may be hesitant to install geothermal heating and cooling systems in their home is because they think the systems are too new. When appliances first hit the market, many people are hesitant to spend their money on them. After all, there are things that could go wrong that are not yet known, or the units may not last as long as the manufacturer expects them too. However, if you are considering a geothermal heat exchanger, you should know that these systems are not new.
Geothermal exchangers have been used in the United States for over 60 years. Many people think they are fairly new because they were not as mainstream as they are now. The primary reason for that is cost. 60 years ago, it was very expensive to install and use geothermal systems. But as time has gone by, the cost of those materials has gone down and these systems are more affordable. Since they have been used for awhile, there is not a risk of the unknown when buying these appliances.
You Have to Own a Lot of Land to Install a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System
The last reason why people think that a geothermal heating and cooling system is not for them is that they think that they need to have a lot of land to install one. The reason people think this is because most models show the lines that carry heat into the home going horizontally. But, these lines can run vertically, if need be, based on the amount of space you have.
A geothermal heat pump works by pulling air out from under the ground, and then heating that air up, much like your furnace would. However, the big difference is that air in the ground is much warmer than outside air. As such, this heating source uses far less energy. In order to do this, lines must be placed underground. These lines may run around the perimeter of your home, or can be aligned vertically in a space near your home if you don't have a lot of outdoor space. As such, if you don't have a lot of outdoor space, a geothermal heating and cooling system can still work for you.
If you need to install a new heating and cooling unit in your home, you may automatically dismiss a geothermal heat exchanger due to many of the myths that are floating around about them. However, if you take the time to educate yourself on these units, you may find that this type of unit may be ideal for you. Contact a geothermal heat company, like Greensleeves Energy Solutions, for more information.
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