When considering the high cost of installing a geothermal heat pump in the Tulsa area, the fundamental question of the system's longevity and maintenance costs needs to be addressed. The answer is simple: geothermal installations last a long time, and they require less maintenance than comparable gas or electric systems.
The heart, and primary cost of the system is the geothermal loop. If you choose a horizontal system, your contractor needs to remove a considerable amount of topsoil during the installation. After digging through four to six feet of red Oklahoma dirt, durable plastic pipe is installed and your yard is reconditioned.
The piping in the geothermal loop is rated to last 25-50 years, so you'll likely never need to replace it. Vertical geothermal loops cost more, as a deep hole needs to be drilled. But, if you have sensitive landscaping or limited space it might be the option for you. Since it's buried underground, the ground loop rarely needs maintenance—the high-density polyethylene plastic tubing is fused together, and shouldn't leak. Unlike exterior air conditioners and heat pumps, the ground loop can't be damaged by the elements or stolen.
In your home, the old inefficient furnace is removed and replaced with a compact, durable geothermal heat pump. This unit uses your existing duct work to heat and cool your home. It needs some of the same preventive maintenance that a traditional heater needs, like changing the air filters, but geothermal heat pumps are rated to last 20 or more years when cared for correctly.
Although the entry cost is high, a geothermal system is a long-lasting solution to expensive energy and HVAC maintenance costs in Broken Arrow. There are also intangible benefits, like less noise and consistent, comfortable temperatures in your home.
If you have more questions about geothermal energy, or if you're ready to take the next step, Air Assurance in Broken Arrow can help.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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