Common Geothermal Myths and the Truth behind Them

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are an environmentally friendly option that allow you to take advantage of the earth’s natural temperatures. This technology is a powerful way to reduce your footprint on the earth and bring your home into harmony with the world around it. Geothermal systems cycle air through an underground loop that uses the earth’s natural temperatures to warm it in winter or cool it in summer.

Unfortunately, there are some common geothermal myths that make this system seem less desirable than it really is.

• Myth: Geothermal energy isn’t eco-friendly because it uses electricity. Geothermal HVAC systems do use electricity, but they use it much more efficiently than traditional systems. It takes just one unit of electricity to move five units of heating or cooling.
• Myth: Geothermal systems require a lot of space. The nature of the site determines how the system is built. Some loops are buried vertically, using minimal square footage above ground. If the system can tap into an aquifer, it will need only a few square feet of space on your lot.
• Myth: Geothermal heat pumps are too loud for residential areas. Geothermal HVAC systems are extremely quiet. There’s no above ground equipment to make noise and bother homeowners or neighbors.
• Myth: Geothermal systems have short life spans. Today’s geothermal HVAC systems can last up to 30 years. A properly sized system can exchange heat underground indefinitely. The heat exchange equipment is the only part that needs to be replaced over time.
• Myth: Geothermal systems are expensive. Federal and local tax incentives can reduce the initial cost of a geothermal system installation by 30 to 60 percent. After installation, operating costs will reduce your energy bill 40 to 70 percent.

When you get to the bottom of these geothermal myths, it’s easy to see the benefits of a geothermal HVAC system. For more information about energy efficient heating and cooling, or to dispel more geothermal myths you’ve heard, contact us at Stack Heating & Cooling. We’ve served the greater Cleveland area since 1976.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about geothermal systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Ribah/Shutterstock”