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.