The temperatures in Reading vary drastically throughout the year, making utility bills spike in the fall and summer. Instead of worrying about your energy bill increasing around the holiday season, rely on the one resource that’s always available — solar energy!
Geothermal energy is widely available across the United States, including in Reading. Learn how geothermal energy works, and if it may be a good fit for your home.
What is Geothermal Energy?
Did you know that 47% of the solar energy on Earth is stockpiled in the ground? Geothermal systems extract this heat using what’s known as an earth loop system. These pipe systems use the sun’s heat which the earth has accumulated, and heats your office or home for free. In addition to heating and cooling your home, geothermal units can help to provide hot water and electricity.
Geothermal Heating
Geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s loop system to remove heat from the ground and deliver it to your home through a duct system as warm air. When temperatures begin to drop, the fluid found in the pipes will warm and travel through the underground system. This warm liquid can then be used by the geothermal unit in your home to heat air and circulate it.
In addition to traditional heating, geothermal energy can also be installed in conjunction with a radiant floor heating system, and can also use the same energy to provide hot water to your home.
At Essig, we utilize WaterFurnace geothermal units, which are the most cutting-edge technology in the industry with the highest quality standard. WaterFurnace units are also installed by only the highest trained professionals in the heating industry.
Are Geothermal Systems More Costly?
On average, households typically save 30-70% on heating costs, which is about $400- $1,500 annually. While you may think it’s more costly to make the switch to geothermal energy, a WaterFurnace system can actually dramatically reduce your heating and cooling costs.
The most expensive portion of your geothermal unit will be in the initial installation. A home or small-scale commercial geothermal system will typically cost $10,000 – $25,000.
That means hypothetically, you could make up for the cost of your system in as little as five years depending on your local utility rates. This price factors in soil condition in your yard, plot size, system configuration, site accessibility, and the level of digging and drilling required.
Many households don’t actually pay the sticker price for these systems. There are a few options available to fund your installation:
You can receive a return of 30% federal geothermal tax credit.
State and local compensation available via DSIRE.
Benefits of Geothermal Heat
If saving money on your monthly utility costs doesn’t have you convinced yet, here are some additional benefits of adding geothermal energy to your home:
Eco-Friendly Technology
Save money and the planet! According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heating is the cleanest, environmentally safe way to heat your home. This green technology produces no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or other greenhouse gases that have been linked to global warming.
Built to Last
Geothermal systems are built to last for a very long time. Typically, households can get around 25 years out of a geothermal unit. This is also a great selling point if you ever put your home on the market, and means that you won’t need to make as many repairs as you would with a traditional heating system.
Quieter Operation
With an underground system, there’s no need for a loud condensing unit in your home. Plus, unlike large wind turbines or solar fields, these units are practically unnoticeable!
Safe and Clean to Operate
Geothermal units require no combustion. This rules out any threat of carbon monoxide poisoning and makes geothermal energy the safest heating method for your home. Instead of flaming fossil fuels, these units use clean, free energy from the sun.
Ideal for Air Purification
Traditional heating units are notorious for providing dry, stuffy heat to our homes. With a solar heat pump, you will face fewer threats to your indoor air quality. These units also act as a dehumidifier and air purifier: so you’re buying three for the price of one! Members of your household with allergies or asthma will especially appreciate these benefits.
Hot Water Supply at the Ready
No more wasting time waiting for your water to heat up. You can add a desuperheater to your home’s geothermal system, which will superheat gases from your heat pump’s compressor to heat water. Simply put, the geothermal unit will use a compressor to heat water, and can provide around 50-60% of your hot water supply in conjunction with your hot water tank. Not only will you save money on heating costs, but you’ll also save on hot water as well!
Geothermal Heating in Reading, PA
Whether you need routine maintenance, equipment repair, or an entire comfort system – Essig has the qualifications and ability you need. We’re proud to be one of the finest providers of WaterFurnace geothermal products for the Reading area. Let us provide you a solution that uses the clean, renewable energy in your backyard to give you savings up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water.
For more information on how to begin your geothermal installation, call us 7 days a week at 610-557-3302, or contact us online.
