subject: Decide Whether to Install a Geothermal Heat Pump [print this page] Decide Whether to Install a Geothermal Heat Pump
Dean Matthews is an HVAC contractor in Okaloosa, Florida with AAA Airwaves Air Conditioning and Heating. According to Matthews, in order to decide if a geothermal heat pump would be a wise investment for your home, you need to contact an experienced HVAC contractor in your area who can address your concerns and discuss how much the installation will cost.
During the peak of the summer and in the dead of winter, it's likely that your monthly energy bills double, if not triple, as compared to the amount that they are when your heating and cooling unit is not in frequent use. And while you may try for a few days to decrease the use of your system to save money, suffering from ice cold fingers in the winter and sweltering heat in the summer is not the ideal way to lower your bills.
Geothermal Heat Pump
Fortunately, you can contact a technician in your area about cost-effective alternatives, such as a geothermal heat pump. Thanks to constantly developing technology, a geothermal heat pump is a heating and cooling system that takes advantage of the temperatures in the ground to increase efficiency and reduce the costs of heating and cooling your home.
Technically, it is possible to install a geothermal heat pump in any home, regardless of the type of current heating and cooling system. However, most professionals recommend installation during the building process of a new house because it will reduce the costs.
Initial Costs
For many homeowners, the initial costs associated with the installation have kept them from making the switch to geothermal heat pumps for their homes. Because water is a main power source for the system, unless you already have a well placed on your property, then one will have to be dug. In some cases, this process can become a bit pricey. Depending on the municipality where you live, however, changes may be coming your way that would make obtaining a geothermal heat pump a lot less pricey.
While it is not yet allowed in Okaloosa, I have been told by some manufacturers that cities have begun to allow residents to tap into the town's water supply in order to run their new heat pumps. This means that instead of having a well dug on your property, you can use the same water source that you have already been using to run your dishwasher, washing machine, and sinks. While this is a rare occurrence as of right now, as geothermal heat pumps become more popular, the hope is that more cities will take the initiative to allow residents tap into the public water supply as well.
Cost-Effective
Without a doubt, you will notice a reduction in energy bills once you have a heat pump installed. Although the initial costs of geothermal heat pump installation may be a bit hard to swallow (upwards of $15,000 in some cases), you can expect to save an equivalent amount of money over the next few years. In many states, the government offers a tax credit to homeowners who have geothermal heat pumps installed. And while this will reimburse some of the money you have spent, the rest of the savings will come from your decreasing energy bills.
At AAA Airwaves Air Conditioning and Heating, we strive to do excellent work in the home without causing too much disruption to your daily activities. With this idea in mind, a new geothermal heat pump can be installed within a day, or two days at most. Additionally, there is no need to leave your home during the installation process. However, if you are having the heat pump installed during a time of year when you would be using your heating or cooling system, we are happy to bring over a temporary fix, such as a window AC unit, so that you aren't uncomfortable during the process.
