December 17, 2024
Geothermal energy has become a very sustainable source of energy for homes across the St. Louis, MO area and beyond. By using the natural heat from the earth, we can efficiently heat and cool your residence. However, before choosing to install such a system, you should know a little more about it. Let’s look at the basics of geothermal energy, including whether it is more energy efficient than other options.
What Is Geothermal Heating?
A geothermal heating system can utilize heat from the earth to warm your home. It can even be used for electricity generation in different systems. Not only is this an efficient option for heating, but it can also reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment. Heat is extracted from the earth and transferred to your home through a system of underground pipes and a geothermal heat pump. The heat pump functions as the furnace in your home. Some homes also have a backup furnace installed for times of the year when the temperature outside makes it less efficient to use geothermal technology.
Considering the Efficiency of Geothermal Heating
Most homes will find it more efficient to use geothermal heating. When you run a traditional furnace to heat your home, you have to pay for the energy that you’re using for this process. Depending on your home and where you live, this is usually either gas or electricity. Both can be expensive. However, using a geothermal system that employs heat from the Earth rather than having to generate heat is much more efficient and affordable. The biggest expense associated with this process is investing in the equipment and having it installed. However, there are often different types of rebates and incentives you can take advantage of to offset that cost.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
It’s important that you schedule routine inspections and maintenance for your heating system, regardless of the type of equipment you have. Maintenance for your geothermal heat pump can protect its life span and reduce repair needs. A well-maintained heat pump consumes approximately 15% to 25% less energy than a unit that doesn’t receive regular attention. The cost of an annual maintenance appointment is far less than the cost of ongoing repairs and replacing your unit early. Also, it can be more affordable to maintain a geothermal system than it is to do so with a traditional furnace system.
Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Have Limitations?
Many homeowners do not understand the basics of how geothermal heating works, which can prevent them from adopting it in their own home. There can be limitations as well. There are sometimes installation complexities that make it difficult to install geothermal heating. This is true for properties with minimal space. However, our team can provide guidance on placement and how much clearance is needed. You only need about one to two feet of clearance on each side of your heat pump, which most properties can accommodate. Also, there may be local enforcement codes that we must adhere to. We are knowledgeable about all the requirements, ensuring your system is installed correctly and we obtain proper permits.
It’s an incorrect assumption that there are a small number of states that can efficiently use geothermal heat. The earth’s temperature underground ranges from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the location. The most popular states for geothermal installation include our very own Missouri, as well as New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, according to the Energy.gov website. Many of these states experience very cold weather in the winter, and they are still able to utilize geothermal heating efficiently.
Open vs. Closed Loop Systems
A closed-loop geothermal system is also referred to as a ground-coupled system. It includes underground pipes that are buried anywhere from a few feet to several hundred feet underground. A mixture of water and antifreeze will circulate through this pipe system, and the pipes can be installed in a vertical or horizontal setup, depending on how much space is available. This system is set up very carefully to ensure the fluid that is part of the it will remain separate from the environment it is near. Benefits of a closed-loop setup include fewer temperature fluctuations, so it’s ideal for climates with varying temperatures.
An open-loop geothermal system utilizes water from a natural source. They tend to be more efficient than a closed-loop system because they are in direct contact with the ground. They also tend to have more challenges than a closed-loop design, which is why they’re not used quite as often. In addition, there may be more maintenance with this setup because of the potential for issues regarding mineral deposits, sediment buildup, etc.
Choosing Your Geothermal Heating Setup
There are several considerations that we will look at if you’re interested in having a geothermal heat pump installed on your property. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that will positively impact your home for years to come, not to mention helping you save money on your energy bills each month.
Your Location
The immediate geographical area where you live is considered. We will determine if this influences your ability to have a geothermal system installed.
Available Water
If you’re considering an open-loop design, we need to ensure there is a water source that is always available. We also need to ensure that the water quality is optimal. If you have a limited water supply, we’ll have to discuss a closed-loop design with you.
Condition of Your Soil
A closed loop setup is affected by the type of soil that’s around it. Consequently, this must be taken into consideration.
Equipment Options
There are many different types of geothermal heat pumps available from a variety of manufacturers. We will discuss your options with you based on your residence, your budget, and your heating needs.
Equipment Placement Considerations
Because we need one to two feet of clearance around your heat pump on all sides, we will discuss with you where this can occur. Most homeowners opt to have their heat pump installed somewhere inconspicuous so it won’t be an eyesore. This may be in your backyard or side yard. However, we recommend that it is in a location where there isn’t a lot of landscaping around that could impede air flow. We also want to make sure that we can easily access your equipment if it needs to be repaired or undergoes maintenance at any point in time. There must be ample space for installation as well.
If you are interested in learning more about the potential use of geothermal energy in your St. Louis home, reach out to our team here at Scott-Lee Heating Company. In addition to geothermal heating installations and maintenance, we install, repair, and maintain other types of heating and cooling equipment. We also provide a variety of indoor air quality services, zoned heating and cooling systems, commercial HVAC services, and more.
Contact us at Scott-Lee Heating Company in St. Louis today to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable team.