Geothermal Heating And Cooling Systems Are Eligible For Tax Credits
The use of geothermal heating and cooling systems is still relatively new, with only 150,000 geothermal heat pump units in home in the United States. Tax credit, rebates and reduced utility bills are just some of the incentives aimed at enticing more homeowners to purchase and install these units. This represents efforts by the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, which includes the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 240 electric utility companies, and 20 heat pump manufacturers. This team of energy experts hopes to convince the public that their investment into geothermal heating and cooling systems will improve the environment and put more money back into their pockets long-term.
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are designed to heat, cool and supply the home with hot water. Some of these models have a two-speed compressor and variable fans which offer even more comfort and energy savings. Commonly known as ground source heat pumps, these units are quieter, last long and require less maintenance than the air-source heat pumps because the underground placement means that it does not depend on outside air. A combination of the best of both the air-source and geothermal heating and cooling pump is a dual source heat pump. The dual source has a higher efficiency rating than the air-source, but still does not offer as much efficiency as the geothermal unit. The advantage is that it costs less to install.
The price of installing a geothermal heating and cooling system is what causes most homeowners to be apprehensive about its use. The price is much higher than an air-source system; however, homeowners will receive a return in energy savings within five to 10 years of purchase. Average household savings is $1,500 or more each year.
Types of Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems
There are four basic types of geothermal heating and cooling systems. The ground water system has drawn water from an aquifer via a supply well by using the earth’s natural heat source for over 40 years. The water passes through the heat pump’s heat exchanger and either absorbs or rejects the heat. The vertical energy system utilizes natural thermal properties from the earth similar to the ground water system. However, the water is circulated through a closed loop network of plastic pipe inserted into vertical wells. The horizontal energy system uses renewable energy to circulate water or an antifreeze solution through the same type of closed loop as the vertical energy system. The fourth type of geothermal heating and cooling system is the pond or lake energy system. This is considered the most economical system to install, and uses a lake or pond that is near the home.
The prices for these geothermal systems vary, ranging from $2,996 to $5,384, not including installation charges.
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Carter
Posted 865 days ago
This article makes some good points. Not only will the homeowner that uses a geothermal heating and cooling system be able to enjoy tax credits and energy saving, they will be doing there part to preseerve our planet.
