Geothermal technology has resulted in ultra-efficient HVAC systems that slash your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint, but how does it work? And how can Georgia homeowners benefit from this impressive technology?
Geothermal Energy: The Basics
Geothermal products draw energy from deep within the earth. Like solar power, this energy is clean and sustainable, and it can be used to heat and cool a home more efficiently than traditional heating and cooling methods. The temperature beneath the earth’s surface is stable, so this harnessed energy can be used year-round according to need.
In fact, ground-source heat pumps operate at up to 600 percent efficiency on cold winter nights, compared to 250 percent for traditional air-sourced heating methods. That’s nothing to sneeze at.
Heating and Cooling
When in heating mode, the technology draws upon naturally occurring heat sources within the earth, which are then circulated via copper tubing and transported to the system’s compressor. In cooling mode, the same process occurs, but the ground essentially removes the heat from the circulating refrigerant.
Hot water heaters also utilize this technology to provide what is, in essence, free hot water. This is achieved using a geothermal system’s Hot Water Pre-Heater, or HWPH, which can typically provide as much as 50 percent of a home’s hot water needs.
The Installation Process
Homeowners wanting to implement geothermal technology will have to consider the steps and products required to get started. You’ll need to consult with professionals to get recommendations for the best setup, which may include ground-source heat pumps, hybrid systems, and geothermal thermostats. Because no two sites are the same, professionals will have to evaluate your property and create a custom installation plan. There is also the price to consider. Geothermal installations often cost more than traditional HVAC systems, but utility bills will be significantly less.
To learn more about how geothermal technology can save you money in the long-run, contact McDevitt Air at (877) 692-9402. We’ll be happy to welcome you to the alternative energy revolution.
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