Geothermal Systems
Geothermal residential heating and cooling systems take advantage of the Earth’s near-constant underground temperature. In the Mid-Atlantic states, ground temperatures average around 55 degrees year round below about 10 feet. Traditional heat pumps extract heat from the air and send it into the home. Geothermal heat pumps use soil (or rock or water) instead of air, so they are far more efficient. Instead of trying to extract heat from 32 degree air, or switching to very expensive back up electric resistance heat, they operate in a relatively constant 55 degree environment. Geothermal residential systems can also be set up to use waste heat to provide most of the hot water needed in the home.
Geothermal residential heating and cooling systems are gaining popularity due to their efficiency and the availability of federal and state tax credits. Contact us for information on system costs and tax credits.
Learn More about Geothermal Residential Systems
If you want to know the process of installation for a geothermal system, click here.
You may also be interested in a case study published in The Washington Post about a Derwood, MD, resident who installed a geothermal residential system for his 4,400-square-foot home. In the article, “With tax breaks, geothermal system promises deep cuts in heating, cooling costs,” the homeowner describes the process of installation, the benefits, and how he’ll recoup his investment in roughly 3 years.
Other Sources of Information
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
Energy Savers: Geothermal Heat Pumps
Generic Guide Specifications for Geothermal Heat Pump System Installation
