Geothermal

Going green – these days many homeowners are looking for ways to save money and protect the environment. For those homeowners, A & L Heating & Cooling has one word – Geothermal.

What Does Geothermal Mean?

Literally, it means “hot earth,” according to its Greek origins. Though there’s a good amount of mechanics involved, the geothermal system requires installing proper pumps, hoses, and piping. Once constructed, a geothermal system consists basically of a loop of pipes underground circulating water.

• How does it heat your home? In the winter, the ground temperature is normally warmer than the air temperature. The heat is absorbed from the ground into the pipes and pumped from the ground to heat the home.
• How does it cool your home? In the summer, the heat extracted from the home runs through the pipes and is absorbed by the water and put into the earth. This acts in the same way a traditional air conditioning unit extracts heat from the home and puts it outside of the home. Though the theory is not different, the efficiency and monetary savings are!

How does Geothermal Heat Water?

Geothermal systems can also be used to heat water. In the summer, the water heating would be free since the water would simply be heated by the heat extracted from the house to keep it cool. Geothermal systems use 30% to 60% less energy than the normal HVAC system. They also are quieter when running and require less maintenance than a normal HVAC system.

How does Geothermal save you money?

The initial cost, including installation of a geothermal system is higher than other heating systems. However, because a geothermal system can save the homeowner an average $700 per year, it practically pays for itself in 5 years or less. This savings does not include the lower maintenance costs or possible rebates offered for a green system, so it can really pay to install a geothermal system in your home.

Geothermal is not a new concept, and with the decades of experience A & L brings to your heating and cooling considerations, you can be assured we have the expertise to provide your best geothermal options.

For an estimate on putting a geothermal heating & cooling system in your home, contact A & L Heating & Cooling today.