Have you heard about geothermal energy? It’s one of a few renewable energy sources available to homeowners, and it’s seeing rapid growth in popularity across the eastern and central United States.
Put simply, geothermal systems use energy found in the ground on your property to heat and cool indoor air. And it’s possibly the most cost-effective way to condition your home.
At Hamilton Homes, we specialize in custom home design — and that includes custom heating and cooling systems. We install whole-home geothermal energy solutions, and it’s time to find out if this popular renewable energy system is right for you.
How geothermal energy systems work
About 3 to 5 feet below the surface, the earth holds a relatively consistent temperature of 45-50° F all year round (even in Indiana!). It maintains this temperature by absorbing and storing thermal energy from the sun, along with heat generated from organic decay.
Geothermal systems capture this thermal energy to heat and cool your home. An electric heat pump sends a temperature-conducting fluid, like refrigerant, through loops of pipe laid under the ground. The pipe serves as a heat exchanger, and the fluid warms up or cools down based on the season.
In the winter, the refrigerant warms up in the underground pipes. It flows through the heat pump, transferring the heat to the air and distributing warmer air throughout your home via ductwork.
In the summer, the heat pump pulls heat from the air in your home and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant cools down as it flows underground, then the heat pump returns cooler air to your home.
The length of pipe a home needs vary based on the size of the home, its location, and other factors. In general, geothermal systems need 500-600 feet of pipe for every ton of HVAC system capacity. An average 3000 sq. ft. home needs about a five-ton HVAC system, so that equates to 2500-3000 feet of pipe laid in loops underground.
Where the pipe goes depends on the house and the land it’s on. With new construction homes, we may be able to install geothermal pipes under the house and driveway. If we’re adding geothermal to an existing home, installing pipes in the yard may be the best option.
The benefits of residential geothermal energy for homeowners
Geothermal energy conditions your home in every season — and in the most extreme temperatures — because the ground maintains a consistent temperature. Plus, it’s one of the most efficient options available to homeowners.
Here are a few of the biggest benefits:
Geothermal works everywhere
Climates vary across the world, and it’s a common misconception that geothermal only works in certain locations. It’s true that areas with volcanic activity (like Iceland and Hawaii) have more geothermal activity, but most places in the world have enough geothermal energy to heat and cool homes (including Indiana).
Geothermal is efficient and eco-friendly
Geothermal energy systems are extremely efficient, using 25-50% less electricity than conventional systems to keep homes comfortable. According to the EPA, geothermal systems reduce overall energy consumption and emissions by up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps and 72% compared to electric heat and air conditioners.
And despite the name, geothermal heat pumps are capable of both heating and cooling your home, eliminating the need for separate furnace and air conditioning units. Plus, some heat pumps can even use extra heat to heat household water throughout the year.
Geothermal is cost-effective
Installing a geothermal energy system and heat pump is typically more expensive up-front than a traditional HVAC system, but geothermal is more cost-effective over time. Geothermal helps you avoid seasonal spikes in utility bills. The US Department of Energy estimates that the breakeven point for geothermal could be within a few years of install, thanks to significantly lower utility costs.
There’s no better time to invest in green energy. At Hamilton Homes, we’re ready to help you integrate an energy-efficient geothermal system in your home so you can reap the rewards. Schedule a geothermal energy consultation with us to get started.
