Geothermal heating and cooling in Buellton, California, is an energy-efficient option for your home.
Like heat pumps, a geothermal system moves heat from one place to another. It uses underground loop systems to move heat from the earth or your home.
This system harnesses the earth’s stored energy, which can translate into major savings on your energy bill.
When compared to conventional systems, the EPA says homeowners using geothermal heat pumps can save up to 70% on heating and up to 50% on cooling each year. This means you may save between $400 to $1,500 annually, which could help your system pay for itself in just a few years.
A new geothermal system could also make you eligible for utility rebates and tax incentives.
Trust the local pros at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning when you want geothermal heating and cooling in Buellton. We’ll help you design the right system for your home.
Eight Benefits of Using Geothermal Energy
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are really energy efficient and may last twice as long as conventional systems. Here’s a some other benefits to installing one of these systems at your home:
1. Energy Savings
Most geothermal systems are at least three times more efficient than fossil fuel systems. The EPA has calculated geothermal could save you up to $1,500 annually. These savings may help the system pay for itself in only a couple of years.
2. Longer Life Span
Geothermal systems tend to last longer than conventional heating and cooling systems, mainly since it’s buried. You can expect your system to last for 20–25 years. Gas furnaces and electric heat pumps typically need to be changed after 15 years.
3. Free Hot Water
Geothermal generates free hot water. It can decrease your power consumption for hot water up to 60%. Your exact savings will depend on your household size and how much hot water your family uses.
Not only does the system make hot water, in various situations it makes “more than free” hot water. This means the unit actually becomes more effective when producing hot water.
4. Combined Heating and Cooling System
A geothermal system can heat and cool your home. You won’t need an air conditioner outside or separate furnace indoors, unless you live in a cold climate. A split heating system is offered for areas where temperatures regularly dip below freezing.
5. Better Humidity Control
Geothermal keeps about 50% relative indoor humidity, making it very successful in humid areas.
6. Improved Safety
Since geothermal doesn’t use combustion to supply heat, you don’t have to fear about gas leaks or carbon monoxide.
7. Low Maintenance
There is less maintenance involved with a geothermal system because there is no outside unit. This makes it less prone to failing during hot summers. Since it doesn’t rely on outside temperatures, no defrost controls are needed like a typical heat pump.
8. Quiet Operation
Geothermal is no different than anything else you buy in life. Paying a little now normally means you get less in return. A well-built and properly installed geothermal unit will give you years of quiet operation.
Types of Geothermal Systems
There are two basic types of geothermal systems: open loop and closed loop.
Since these loops are buried underground, initial installation will affect your lawn. However, the loops won’t be visible once the grass has grown back.
Open Loop Geothermal
Open loop geothermal uses groundwater to transfer heat. It can be created to work with a well, pond or lake.
This system is generally the most cost effective and efficient due to consistent groundwater temperatures. However, it’s not always feasible due to a lack of groundwater or too much iron in the groundwater. Local code may also prohibit these systems in your area.
Closed Loop Geothermal
Closed loop geothermal uses a continuous loop to transfer water (or antifreeze solution for cold climates) to the earth and back to the geothermal. The water is recirculated in a pressurized pipe instead of adding new water.
There are several installation options, including horizontal, slinky and vertical.
Call the Geothermal Heating and Cooling Experts at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning
A geothermal system is a sound investment in your home. But selecting the right equipment and right company to install it can feel like a complicated process. At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, we make it easy with expert assistance from our heating and cooling pros.
Call us at 805-242-9638 or contact us online to get started today.
