What is a geothermal heat pump?
A geothermal heat pump is a heating system that draws its heat from the earth. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the earth stays a relatively warm 50-55 degrees year-round. A geothermal heat pump system will draw this heat out of the ground to reduce the heating demand required from an auxiliary heat source. Heat pumps can save you up to 50 percent or more on your home’s heating and cooling bills.
Can a geothermal heat pump provide both heat and cool air to my home?
Yes. A geothermal heat pump is a combination heating and cooling system. In the summer, a geothermal heat pump uses the relatively cool ground temperatures to cool your home. In the winter, it uses the comparatively warm ground to ease the burden on your home’s auxiliary heating system.
How much space does a geothermal heat pump take up?
There are two types of ground source geothermal heat pumps and the amount of space they need depends on the type of system installed. Horizontal systems snake through your property at approximately six feet below ground for several hundred feet. If you do not have sufficient land for this type of system, a vertical system can be installed that is instead drilled hundreds of feet into the ground. The geothermal heat pump itself is approximately the same size as a typical heating and cooling unit.
Are geothermal heat pumps noisy?
No. Geothermal heat pumps have no exterior fans, so they make for a pleasant experience indoors and out.
Do geothermal heat pumps require a lot of maintenance?
No. Geothermal heat pumps require routine maintenance just like any other heating and cooling system. The components in the ground are designed to last 30-50 years.
How much will I save with a geothermal heat pump?
Geothermal heat pumps generally use 30-50 percent less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems. Often, payments on a geothermal heat pump are less than energy savings – making the cash flow from geothermal heat pumps positive from day one.
Are there any incentives for geothermal heat systems in Pennsylvania?
Incentives for geothermal heat pumps come and go as funding is made available. Sometimes funds are added or depleted without warning. To find out if there are any current incentives available to you for installing a geothermal heat pump in Pennsylvania, call us today.
Can I install a geothermal heat pump myself?
Although it is possible, it is not recommended. Geothermal heat pump installations are very complex and require a level of precision and expertise that would be best left to trained professionals, like those at T.E. Spall & Son.
Will geothermal heat pumps work effectively in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The sub-soil in Pennsylvania remains approximately 50-55 degrees year round, well within the desired range for geothermal heat pump system.
Will my existing ductwork work with a geothermal heat pump?
Yes, in most cases. We will be able to determine ductwork requirements and if any minor modifications are needed.
Can a geothermal heat pump be added to an existing furnace system?
Yes, geothermal heat pumps can be combined with other heating systems to create a dual fuel heating system.
Does snow or ice on the ground negatively impact a geothermal heating system?
No. Geothermal heating systems are installed at a depth where the ground temperature is relatively constant. Temporary ice or snow accumulations will not negatively impact your system.
