With greener lifestyles being widely accepted today, consumers across the country are seeking smarter ways to heat and cool a home now have an option they can feel good about implementing. Enter geothermal heating and cooling systems that are making their way into roughly 50,000 U.S. homes per year, estimates the U.S. Department of Energy. Within this blog post, we’re offering answers to the top four frequently asked questions you should know before investing in one for your home.

Question 1: How do geothermal systems work?

Geothermal systems operate from an idea introduced more than 150 years ago by using naturally existing heat, rather than producing it through the combustion of fossil fuels. The result is an economically feasible way to heat and cool a home.  When you consider that the earth remains at a consistent 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you can be certain that geothermal systems will keep your home comfortable throughout the year. By exchanging heat using an underground series of pipes filled with a mixture of anti-freeze and water, during the winter months, the fluid pulls heat from the ground, and transfers it into the house via a heat exchanger. Throughout the summer, the system takes heat from the house and gives it back to the earth in exchange for cooler air. The best part of all? You and your family will never notice a difference when it comes to optimum comfort.

Question 2: Why go with a geothermal system over a traditional option?

Beyond the eco-friendliness factors, geothermal heating & cooling systems do not produce greenhouse gasses, carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide.  In fact, a geothermal system can reduce a carbon footprint by as much as 50 percent, based on EPA estimates. They’re also extremely safe because there are no storage tanks, open flames or flammable fuel involved. Additionally, underground piping is fusion-welded to prevent leaks, and is protected from Indiana’s seasonal elements. Piping can also last up to 50 years, and with no outside air compressors, the system is quiet, and you have more space for other uses.

Question 3: How much money can I save on a geothermal system?

We’re always being asked about the significant savings associated with geothermal systems, and our response never seems to disappoint. That’s because geothermal systems are not only inexpensive to operate with fewer parts, but according to United States Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners can save anywhere from 30-70 percent on heating and 20-50 percent on cooling costs with geothermal systems, which translates to roughly $400 to $1,500 in annual savings. Add in energy-saving tax credits and high reliability ratings, and it’s a math problem you’ll never get tired of solving.

Question 4: Will a geothermal system enhance my home’s value?

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points with geothermal systems is the increased value they will undoubtedly bring to your home, says GeothermalGenius, an organization dedicated to generating education and public awareness about alternative energy sources. After reviewing years of home sales, the group found that for every $1 decrease in annual utility bills, a home’s value increased by $20. Added up over time, that’s a value that delivers impeccable comfort for you and your family as well as for the next homeowners.

With green trends growing in popularity, it’s likely that geothermal systems will see a major boom. If you’re ready to implement this technology in your home or business, or if you want to learn more about the many benefits, call us today to schedule a no-obligation meeting. We look forward to speaking with you.