In many parts of the country, homeowners are turning up the heat inside their homes. In some cases, they’re also considering updating their HVAC systems, especially if they didn’t get the performance they needed during last year’s heating season. Here in Florida, we’re still enjoying warm days, but the nights are starting to feel cooler. It’s the perfect time to think about an upgrade for your HVAC system. Maybe you’ve heard of geothermal heating but aren’t sure it’s the best option for you. We’re sharing 5 things you should know about geothermal heating before you decide if it’s right for you.
How a Geothermal Heat Pump Works
In Florida at this time of year, you can count on daytime temperatures in the 70s. Temperatures drop into the 60s and 50s at night. Underground, there are no fluctuations. The temperature is always 55 degrees. A geothermal heat pump uses a series of underground coils to transfer heat back and forth between the inside of your home and the ground underneath. Geothermal heating and cooling systems use refrigerant. During the summer, the pump moves heat from your home through the coils and transfers it to the ground. You get the opposite transfer during the winter months.
A Double Duty System
In Florida, geothermal heat is especially attractive because it does more than cool or warm up your home. As a single system it heats and cools your home but also can be used to heat water for bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. If you have a swimming pool, geothermal heat does a fantastic job of heating pool water.
An Excellent Choice for Energy Savings
Energy savings is the primary reason most homeowners choose a geothermal heating system. According to the EPA, GHPs use 25%–50% less electricity than conventional HVAC systems. This is great news for most homeowners. A huge part of the household budget usually goes towards heating and cooling, and HVAC systems use a significant amount of electricity. The other good news about this type of heating system is that a large percentage of the energy created by it comes from renewable sources. If you’re interested in green heating and cooling technology, this may be a good solution for you.
Looking for Longevity?
Remember where most of the geothermal system is installed? Buried underground. The coils don’t get nearly as much wear and tear as the components of a conventional HVAC system. Depending on the system and the brand, you could have up to a 50-year warranty on the underground components. As far as the heat pump unit, most of them have a useful life of around 25 years. As if longevity isn’t good enough, consider the maintenance.
This System Requires Minimal Maintenance
Ensuring the system doesn’t require an extraordinary amount of maintenance starts with installation by a qualified HVAC technician. Most maintenance takes place during your routine appointments. Your HVAC tech will check antifreeze levels, clean the system components, and make sure you don’t have a leak in the buried pipes. At some point, you may need to have ductwork maintenance. How does that sound for a low-maintenance system?
A geothermal heating system may be the ideal solution for your home. Let’s talk! Contact Cox Heating and Air Conditioning at 727-442-6158.
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