Sunday, February 10, 2013

Geothermal Advantages And Disadvantages For Brownsville HVAC

Geothermal offers both advantages and disadvantages for Brownsville HVAC. These systems continue to grow in popularity, even though they are more expensive to install. The reason for the growth in popularity is the promise of lower power bills. Before choosing this type of system, consumers will want to weight both the advantages and disadvantages of the units.

A geothermal heat pump works much like any other similar unit. Normally, the heat pump uses the air outside the home as a source of heat in the winter and to disperse the heat from the summer. However geothermal units use coils that are buried in a well deep in the ground where temperatures remain constant. These systems can save energy and thus money for the homeowner.

One of the advantages of geothermal is the lower carbon foot print. Systems allow homeowners to avoid use of carbon based fuels at the home. However, they do require electricity. While it is possible to create electricity using water or wind generation, much still is created using fossil fuels. Still, the system requires far less energy than most air heat pumps and can help to reduce use of nonrenewable resources and greenhouse gases. According to some estimates, a single geothermal unit has the same environmental impact as planting 750 trees. Thus, the additional expense can help to reduce the environmental impact of remain comfortable at home.

The efficiency of geothermal heat pumps is greater than the most efficient furnace. In addition, they provide more efficient cooling. The ground temperature remains constant all year long. During the summer it may be as much as 40 degrees cooler than the outside air and 30 or more degrees warmer in the winter.

Geothermal heat pumps offer a long lifespan. The inside unit offers a 25 year lifespan and the ground loop should be good for at least 100 years. The units do not make the noise associated with conventional outside units, but work silently. Maintenance costs should be minimal.

The primary disadvantage of using a geothermal heat pump is an increase in installation costs, often two to three times that of a conventional system. It is important to select a heating and air conditioning company with experience at installing these systems. If improperly installed, it may not produce the energy savings promised.

If the homeowner can afford the increase in installation fees, the geothermal system offers several advantages. It is less expensive to operate than a traditional heat pump or furnace. It has a longer life than a traditional system. However, it is difficult in some locations to find an experienced installation expert. Inexperienced installers increase the likelihood of system failure and loss of efficiency.

Homeowners considering geothermal Brownsville HVAC should consider both advantages and disadvantages before making a final decision. While these systems do have a high payback, they offer the disadvantage of a higher initial cost. Additionally, the homeowner may want to talk with local companies concerning experience with geothermal in the local area and what the household can reasonably expect to save when using this type of system for heating and cooling the home.

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Geothermal Advantages And Disadvantages For Brownsville HVAC

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