Climate Masters Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Geothermal’

Should I Consider Geothermal Cooling for My Home?

Monday, April 6th, 2015

We are enjoying some great early spring temperatures, and while you may not need your air conditioning yet, you will in a few short weeks – do you have an air conditioning system you can rely on, or is it time for a new one? One of the benefits of installing a new air conditioner is the ability to choose a system that fits your needs, possibly better, than an existing one. If this is a brand new installation, you can start with a clean slate and install a system that will meet your needs and provide comfort for years. One system worth considering is a geothermal system. These systems utilize sustainable energy, and can provide your St. Augustine home with both heating and cooling, but they do require trained specialists for installation. First, let’s take a look at how the system works.

Sustainable Energy

Geothermal systems are comprised of a ground loop, a heat pump and ductwork or ductless blowers that deliver the warm or cool air to your home’s living spaces. The ground loop is buried beneath the frost line and contains an environmentally-friendly antifreeze. During the summer, the heat from your home is absorbed and transferred to the ground loop, where it is released into the surrounding soil; this is known as a heat sink. In the winter, the antifreeze in the ground loop absorbs the heat from the surrounding soil, sends it to the heat pump where it is concentrated, and disperses the heat to your home. There are no fossil fuels used and very little electricity.

Benefits of a Geothermal System

Here are some of the benefits a geothermal system offers:

  • Best energy efficiency available – geothermal systems actually give back 3-4 units of energy for every 1 unit of energy they expend, making them 300%-400% more energy efficient.
  • Longevity – the heat pump of a geothermal system is designed to last 20-25 years and the ground loop lasts 25-30 years.
  • Easier maintenance – there are very few moving parts on a geothermal system, so while annual maintenance should always be scheduled, the maintenance process is easier.

If you are concerned about your environment and are looking for a sustainable way to cool your home, call the geothermal specialists at Climate Masters today and schedule an appointment.

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What to Expect with Geothermal Heating Installation

Friday, March 7th, 2014

Geothermal heating has become popular during the last ten years because it saves homeowners money on their annual bills, provides reliable comfort levels regardless of the outside temperature, and benefits the environment with its low amount of emissions.

However, some people feel a bit nervous about geothermal systems as a heating option. It’s a big step to take that moves them out of the familiar wheelhouse of furnaces and boilers, and the upfront costs can seem intimidating. They may also wonder if the land they live on will even work with geothermal heating and cooling.

We’re here to help you with some information about what you can expect with installation of geothermal heating in St. Augustine, FL. At Climate Masters we understand that this is a major decision, and you want to make sure it’s the right choice for you. We have the experience to help make your geothermal installation as stress-free and effective as possible.

Geothermal May Not Work For Your Home or Property (Although It Probably Will)

It’s true that geothermal heating won’t work for every home. Sometimes there isn’t sufficient space either horizontally or vertically to lay the underground refrigerant coils, or the landscape isn’t appropriate for heat exchange. However, no heating or cooling system will work for every home, and the majority of homes can have effective geothermal heating installed.

Geothermal Installation is Extensive

The refrigerant coils of a geothermal system must be placed down into trenches around your home at least 6–10 feet deep in order for them to work effectively. The process of drilling can require 3–5 days, with trenching and pipe connections requiring 3–7 days. This doesn’t include the indoor work with electrical connections and necessary duct modifications, or the period of design work beforehand. You’ll need to plan in advance and work with your contractor to come up with a timetable that works for you.

Although Expensive, Geothermal Will Pay Back Its Costs—And More

The time, labor, and materials involved give geothermal installation a higher price tag than installing most other home comfort systems. However, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a properly installed geothermal heating and cooling system will pay back its original costs in 5–10 years. With an estimated lifespan of 20 years for the indoor heat pump unit and 50 years for the underground coils, you’ll have many years of savings beyond the payback period.

Don’t take chances with inexperienced installers when it comes to heating installations in St. Augustine, FL. Climate Masters has served St. Johns County since 1988, and we can help you get an excellent geothermal installation that will serve you efficiently for many decades. Give us a call today and ask our professional HVAC specialists about geothermal heating.

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