Deciding on a geothermal heat pump
My husband and I bought a plot of land and are working on a blueprint for a new house.
We are taking our time, because we don’t want to make any mistakes.
Our goal is to create a beautiful, comfortable and energy efficient living space. We have researched styles and colors of roofs, ENERGY STAR rated windows and types of insulation. We’ve read up on flooring materials, touchless faucets, tankless water heaters and energy saving toilets. One of the biggest household expenses is heating and cooling. Finding an energy efficient temperature control system is a priority. The US Environmental Protection Agency lists geothermal heat pumps as the most environmentally friendly option. This type of system actually creates four units of energy for every single unit used to power the equipment. A geothermal heat pump is a lot more expensive to purchase and install. It requires excavation to implement an underground loop system. In most cases, a geothermal system pays for itself in under five years and can cut the cost of heating and cooling in half. It takes advantage of the free and renewable energy provided by the sun. The underground temperature remains stable all year round. During the summer, the heat pump operates like an air conditioner. In the winter, it pulls heat out of the ground and transfers it into the house, achieving 400% efficiency ratings. Plus, a geothermal heat pump can supply virtually free hot water. The underground loop system is warrantied for fifty years and will most likely last twice that long. Because the heat pump is installed inside the home and protected from the weather, it should achieve a lifespan of more than twenty years.