Geothermal Heat Pump Pros & Cons

Are you paying too much for your household energy costs? Concerned about your home’s carbon footprint?

If you’re looking for a more efficient option for heating and cooling your Twin Cities area home, a geothermal heat pump may be right for you. A geothermal heat pump is also known as a ground source heat pump. These types of heat pumps are growing in popularity as an alternative to conventional HVAC systems.

In this post from General Heating & Air Conditioning in Shakopee, we’re covering the pros and cons of geothermal heat pumps. To learn more about geothermal heat pump installation for your home, give us a call today.

What is a Geothermal Heat Pump?

If you’ve ever visited a cave, you know that under the surface of the earth, the ground temperature remains between 50 and 55 degrees. Underneath the surface of the earth, the temperature remains more consistent throughout the year. And the lower you dig into the earth, the greater the temperature increase. Approximately every 70 feet of depth, the temperature goes up about a degree.

A geothermal heat pump uses this principle to circulate heat between the ground and your home via underground tubing known as a ground array or loop field. Much like the way your refrigerator removes heat using tubes, fluid in the geothermal pump tubing absorbs heat from the soil and ground as it circulates.

When the air inside is warmer than the ground temperature, the system moves heat into the ground, leaving the home cooler. When it’s cold outside, the heat pump moves heat into the home from the ground.

Pros of Geothermal Heat Pumps

Environmental Friendliness

One of the biggest reasons homeowners are making the switch to geothermal heat pump technology is its eco-friendliness. Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy since there’s always heat in the ground. In a world where alternatives to fossil fuels are becoming more important, geothermal technology offers a greener option that doesn’t require fossil fuel combustion.

Because heat pumps operate so efficiently, you’ll dramatically reduce your environmental footprint even if you’re still on the electrical grid. You’ll see as much as a 75% reduction in your household’s carbon footprint and emissions. 

Quieter System

You know that loud compressor unit you’ve got running all summer long? Unlike a conventional HVAC system that requires a noisy fan or compressor, a geothermal system can be much less noisy. Although the unit does make some noise, it’s not much louder than many quieter household appliances.

Long-Lasting System

While conventional furnace and AC units, you can expect to replace major components after about 10 to 15 years even with regular maintenance. However, a geothermal pump can last for 25 years or more, with the ground loop lasting even longer.

Better Reliability

A conventional heating and cooling system can require constant maintenance as it begins to age, especially if you don’t prioritize regular inspections and tune-ups. But geothermal systems have fewer components, which means there’s far less to go wrong and less regular maintenance required.

Excellent ROI

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are an excellent selling point for potential home buyers. Unlike a furnace and conventional AC system, your geothermal heat pump won’t depreciate as quickly,  which means even if you sell your home years from now the system will still add value to potential buyers.

Cost Savings

When you’re using less energy, you’re saving money on your monthly energy heating and cooling costs. You can expect to save as much as 70 percent on your heating costs and 50 percent on cooling, according to the EPA. Over just a few years, those savings can add up dramatically.

Cons of Geothermal Heat Pumps

Expensive Upfront Costs

One of the biggest barriers to geothermal heat pump installation is the cost of installation. Geothermal heat pumps are significantly more expensive than conventional HVAC systems. However, due to their reduced environmental impact, some tax credits and rebates may be available to help offset the initial expense.

Extensive Installation Process

Although it’s possible to have your home retrofitted with a geothermal heat pump, you can expect to see your grass get dug up in the process. Adding the underground array can be incredibly disruptive to your lawn. Installers will need to add trenches across your property, which can mean a lot of heavy equipment and the possible removal of some of your trees and foliage.

Get a Quote on Geothermal Heat Pump Installation

If you’re looking for a more efficient heating solution for your home, we’ve got you covered at General Heating & Air Conditioning in Shakopee, MN. Whether you’re looking to install geothermal technology in your new build home or you’re hoping to make the switch, our technicians can help. Connect with us online or give our team a call at 952-445-2820 to get a free quote on geothermal heat pump retrofitting today.