When renewable energy is mentioned, most people automatically think about solar panels and windmills. While they might get fewer headlines, geothermal systems are an important option for homeowners who want to save money. Once you’ve installed your geothermal system, your home can be completely heated and cooled by pipes running underneath the ground.

HOW DO GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS WORK?

For residents in Oklahoma City, geothermal energy is a viable option for a home’s heating and cooling. In fact, it can even become your only source of hot and cold air. The basic idea behind this heating and cooling system is fairly straightforward. A water and coolant mixture travels underneath the ground using pipes. Then, these pipes cool or heat your house.

No matter where you live in the United States, the temperature underground will stay at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Geothermal systems are designed to tap into this stable temperature. The system is a gigantic loop that allows summertime heat from your home to dissipate into the surrounding soil.

During the winter, the opposite happens. The heat exchange switches directions, and the ground warms up the coolant mixture. Then, the geothermal system’s pipes bring the heat back to your house.

There are four main kinds of loop systems that you can install on your property. You can get a pond, a horizontal, a vertical, or an open loop system. A geothermal installer can help you figure out which loop system works best for your needs.

While there’s a large upfront cost, geothermal systems cost almost nothing to operate. They’re more efficient than natural gas, oil, and propane furnaces. In addition, geothermal systems can cool more efficiently than heat pumps.

THE ADVANTAGES OF USING GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

While many people like geothermal systems because of their low operating cost, there are other advantages to this type of energy system. These systems can be installed in a small space, and they don’t produce any noise. More importantly, you can use them for both heating and cooling.

1. NO NEED FOR LARGE SPACES

One common misconception is that geothermal systems need a lot of space. In reality, they require significantly less space than solar panels and wind turbines. The largest component in a household system is the heat pump, which is about the size of a typical kitchen appliance. All of the pipes are hidden underneath the ground.

2. OPERATE AT FULL CAPACITY

A wind turbine can only operate at full capacity on windy days. Likewise, solar panels need sunshine to function their best. Unlike these systems, geothermal power is always working at full capacity. This makes it a more stable source of power for your home’s heating and cooling needs.

3. GET YEAR-ROUND POWER THAT WORKS DURING THE DAY AND NIGHT

Unlike some types of renewable energy, geothermal systems work during the day and night. In addition, you don’t have to worry about the climate or cloudy days. Unlike solar and wind power, you can get about 8,600 hours of energy out of your system each year. In comparison, a typical solar plant produces just 2,000 hours of energy per year.

4. ENJOY HAVING SILENT ENERGY

When these systems are working at full capacity, they’re almost impossible to hear. The only time geothermal systems cause noise is during the initial installation. After construction crews have finished putting in your system, you won’t even notice it’s there.

5. MINIMAL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

Domestic geothermal systems last for a long time. More importantly, they require limited maintenance. The loops are considered a closed system, so the fluid self-regulates and doesn’t have to be replaced. Even the mechanical elements are known for seldom breaking down.

6. GET A RELIABLE POWER SOURCE

Geothermal systems are known for being long-lasting and extremely safe. In fact, this reliable system can last for 80 to 100 years. This is significantly longer than a typical boiler, which generally lasts for just 15 years. Once your system is installed, you’re unlikely to ever replace it again during your lifetime.

7. SAVE ON ENERGY COSTS

In a typical home, geothermal systems can reduce power consumption by 30% to 70%. Most of this reduction is from heating and cooling the home. In addition, this system can also function like a boiler and heat water.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM

Before you buy a geothermal system, you should consider the economics of the system, how efficient it is, and the characteristics of your property. The rocks and soil at your site will impact the system’s heat transfer rate. To adjust for this difference, your installer may change the design of your loops. For example, they may use less piping in a site that has a lot of soil. If there are a lot of hard rocks, the installer may use vertical loops.

Likewise, you have to think about your groundwater quality and availability. If there are many sources of water on your property, you may be able to use an open loop system. Groundwater can be used as a water source, but you have to follow local regulations about water discharge.

The size of your land is another factor. If you have a lot of land space, you’ll likely want to use horizontal loops. Vertical loops are more popular when you’re installing the system in a small space. This is especially true for established properties because it can be difficult to use horizontal loops if sprinkler systems and landscaping are already in the way.

Once you know the type of geothermal system you want to get, the next step is figuring out the cost. These systems tend to have high upfront costs, but the operation costs are almost zero. Sometimes, you can defray the upfront cost through state, federal, or municipal tax credits and incentives.

GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS OFFER COMPLETE HEATING AND COOLING

On the upper end, geothermal systems can heat your home to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer, these systems can cool your house because underground pipes remain at 55 degrees throughout the year. Whether you want to heat or cool your home, geothermal systems can help.

Geothermal energy is an extremely comfortable, efficient way to heat and cool your residential property. Once you’ve installed one of these systems, you can enjoy having minimal maintenance costs. Plus, this heating and cooling option takes up very little space.

DISCOVER MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

If you’re interested in geothermal systems, All Tech Heat & Air can help. Because this is a major change, it’s important to consult with a professional about the feasibility of using geothermal systems on your property. We’ve proudly served the Oklahoma City area for more than 20 years, and our highly trained technicians can help you choose the right system for your home. You can rely on All Tech Heat & Air for all of your heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and plumbing needs. To learn more about our services, call us today.