Frequently Asked Questions
Will this really save me money in the long run?
Yes. Geothermal systems pay for themselves in energy cost savings. The time it takes for the savings to make up the cost of the system is completely dependent on the price of heating oil or natural gas.
If the system is used for hot water, will it still meet 100% of my heating needs?
Yes, as long as the system was designed to do this, no backup will be needed. It is critical that a system is sized properly based on heat
load calculations.
How does geothermal compare to a conventional oil furnace?
A geothermal system is actually a 3 for 1 deal: heat, central air and hot water. The heating element operates at a higher efficiency than an oil furnace and is cheaper to operate. However, a conventional oil furnace is less costly to install than a geothermal heating system. There is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when using geothermal heat, no need for fuel storage, and no fire hazard from combustion. As an added benefit, geothermal heating is much more environmentally friendly and, as a result, several government incentives are offered, including tax credits and low-interest loans.
Will my monthly electric bills increase?
Yes, but net annual energy costs will decrease because no oil is being used. Electricity is the only energy source needed for the building.
How loud do these systems get? Will I sleep at night?
These systems are usually installed in a basement or a closet, and the only sound they make is a quiet hum. They’re much quieter than your average furnace. You will be able to sleep easily knowing that silence is saving you money.
Will the pipes in the ground ever freeze?
No, typically a mixture of 15% propylene glycol (antifreeze) and 85% water is circulated through closed loops. This means the pipes should never freeze, even on the coldest day.
How long will the system last?
Systems usually last the lifetime of the home. Ground loops have a minimum warranty of 25 years.
What kind of maintenance is needed?
Maintenance is needed every 2-5 years to check antifreeze levels and occasionally replace heat pump parts. This is much less maintenance than needed for a furnace. The ground loop is usually warranteed anywhere between 25 – 50 years and in some cases the lifetime of the home.
How efficient is this system? Is there lots of waste?
The system is highly efficient. Very little of anything is wasted. The working fluid is constantly being circulated and therefore reused and the heat pump is run by a small amount of electricity from the grid. This small amount of electricity used is made up for by the heating and cooling capacity of the system.
Is this really benefitting the environment?
Yes. There are no toxic emissions or byproducts and it is far more efficient than conventional heating and cooling systems.
How long does it take to install one of these systems?
Install time is dependent on several different factors but ranges anywhere from 1-3 weeks.
Where can I find more information?
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