Geothermal Heat Pumps
Soaring energy costs, renewable energy sources and the human impact on the global environment have been in the news a great deal lately — often topics of controversy.
But when it comes to sustainable, cost-effective home heating and cooling systems, one thing is certain: According the the EPA studies, geothermal heating and cooling, using the renewable solar heat energy stored in the earth, is the most energy-efficient option available.
The experts at WaterFurnace Renewable Energies say it’s also the most plentiful source of renewable energy, and it’s available virtually anywhere in the United States, including right here in Richmond Virginia.
The sustainability and energy-efficiency of geothermal systems comes from the fact that the temperature just a few feet below ground remains almost constant throughout the year, regardless of climate or season. That’s because the ground absorbs, and retains, 47% of the sun’s energy. A geothermal heat pump uses a small-diameter pipe called an earth loop to reach this energy source and provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter – without burning fossil fuels. Even noise pollution is avoided — the system’s sound level is similar to that of a refrigerator.
It’s the greenest system available in more ways than one: homeowners can reduce both their carbon footprint and their utility bills. The energy savings provided by a WaterFurnace Envision geothermal system, can be as much as 70% compared with a conventional system (natural gas, oil, electricity or propane fuel).
Geothermal systems can also generate free heat or hot water in the summer months and provide tempered water for your water heater the rest of the time. For Richmond area homeowners looking to reduce both energy costs and their carbon footprint, things are looking up because more and more homeowners are looking down — to take advantage of the green, renewable geothermal energy lying right beneath their own yard.
Best of all, geothermal heat pumps qualify for 30% Federal Tax Credits. At Marshall Mechanical, we have some customers getting $5-$12,000 back in tax credits alone. “Everyone thinks geothermal systems are real expensive until they calculate the monthly savings,” says Mike Smith, our Green Home expert. “And with the Federal Tax Credits on geothermal systems, basically the government is reimbursing you for your loop field.” he adds. So it couldn’t be a better time to take advantage of Geothermal heating and cooling systems.
If you’d like to read more, you can download two PDF brochures from WaterFurnace: 1) Federal Tax Credits ExplainedWaterFurnace Residential Product Brochure and 2) WaterFurnace Geothermal products. Then simply call us for a free Geothermal energy savings estimate which we can do for you right over the phone. Call our Marshall Mechanical office today at 804.323.0189 and start saving and reducing your carbon footprint today.
