Experience the Cost-Efficient Benefits of Geothermal Systems

Geothermal systems are energy efficient and can cut heating and cooling costs each time they run. These systems also benefit the larger community by lowering the demand for natural resources, both for fuel and materials. As such, geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) top the list of HVAC equipment that can help reduce energy consumption and durability. In the short term, financial incentives for installing a geothermal system may entitle you to:

Federal Tax Credits. 

A federal tax credit, active until December 31, 2016, lets you claim 30 percent on the cost of the equipment and installation to offset any taxes you owe. If the amount exceeds your liability, you can carry the credit forward into the following year.The GHP must meet the program requirements active at installation to qualify. However, the cost of your ductwork and supplemental heater coils are not included. This credit covers primary and secondary homes, both new and existing. Rental properties are not eligible.

Local Incentives. 

Periodically, local communities and energy providers offer different types of incentives for making home improvements that increase energy efficiency. As you explore the benefits of geothermal systems with your HVAC provider, ask the company representative to discuss the incentives available for your area.

Over time, you'll experience these benefits from a GHP:

Low energy consumption.

Because GHPs use heat stored underground for the heat exchange process, it uses less energy. This is because temperatures underground are more stable, unlike temperatures above ground that have wide swings. Energy Star GHPs can reach nearly 600 percent efficiency, while gas furnaces can only reach 100 percent. In the cooling mode, it uses less energy than central A/C systems because it deposits excess heat from your home underground, where it's much cooler.

Durability.

GHP loop fields typically carry a 50 year warranty, indoor heat pumps may last 25 years or more with routine maintenance.

The pros at Air Assurance can help learn more about the benefits of geothermal systems. We've been serving Broken Arrow homeowners for more than 30 years

.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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “shanesabin/Shutterstock”

Geothermal: The Energy Gem Buried In Your Yard

The temperature of the earth is approximately 55 degrees across the globe below the frost line, regardless of climate. Geothermal heat pumps utilize this constant source of heat energy by transferring it from the ground into your HVAC system. Using the constant and free geothermal heat source below your property is a highly energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly way to condition the air inside your home.Geothermal systems consist of two parts: an indoor heat pump unit that adjusts the air temperature, and a ground loop of piping that transfers the heat energy from the earth into the heat pump via a liquid carrier. The system does not have an exterior condensing unit like conventional systems, and therefore runs much more quietly.Geothermal is a ubiquitous heat energy source that does not depend on the variable utilities market. Because heat is transferred rather than generated, a geothermal system does not rely on typical fuel sources such as gas, propane or electricity. The best gas furnaces available on the market provide up to 94 percent efficiency, while a geothermal system provides up to 400 percent efficiency.The initial cost of a geothermal system is higher than with conventional systems because of the need to drill into the ground to install the ground loop. However, because of the gain in energy efficiency, the initial costs are recoverable over the payback period, which will vary depending on your energy usage and system size. Check to see if you qualify for current federal, state and local tax incentives, which are available to help consumers recover higher initial costs and encourage the use of the virtually limitless heat source beneath their feet with geothermal.For more information on how geothermal systems can provide efficient heating and cooling to your home, contact the experts at Air Assurance. We've been providing quality products and services to Broken Arrow residents for more than 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     Photo courtesy ofShutterstock.