Geothermal Air Conditioning and Heating: Save Money, Save the Environment

With the mammoth oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the global economic crisis, Americans are rightfully worried about our energy future. Oil production is expensive and dirty and, according to the government, likely to become more of both with crude oil harder to find and more difficult to access. With the future of oil so uncertain, more Americans are turning to geothermal energy for heating and air conditioning in their homes and businesses. When looking at efficiency and cost, geothermal energy is perhaps the cleanest and cheapest way to heat and cool your home. 

How does Geothermal Heating & Air Conditioning Save Me Money?

• The U.S. Department of Energy says that the average U.S. household spends $2200 a year, about $180 per month, on heating and cooling. Geothermal systems typically shave 70% off your heating bill and 40% off your cooling bill, meaning that you will spend only about $918 per year on heating and cooling. That’s a savings of $1282 per year, or about $104 per month!
• The cost of a geothermal system is only about 1.8 times the cost of a traditional HVAC system, and that cost is quickly recovered in energy savings. It only takes an average of 5 years to recoup the cost of the geothermal system. After that, you are actually making money while your neighbors send extra money each month to the local utility companies.
• As an added bonus you can utilize the waste heat removed from the home's interior during the cooling season to provide virtually free hot water. This can result in a total savings in hot water costs of about 30% annually.

• A geothermal system also regulates indoor humidity, eliminating the need for dehumidifiers or humidifiers.
• This year the federal government is rewarding homeowners for switching to geothermal. If you install geothermal heating and air conditioning in 2010, you will receive a tax credit of $1500. 

• Maryland residents in Anne Arundel county can also take advantage of a county tax credit on geothermal systems, worth up to $2,500.

Why is Geothermal Heating and Air Conditioning More Efficient?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the biggest benefit of a geothermal system is that it uses 25%–50% less electricity than a conventional heating or cooling system. The EPA says that geothermal systems reduce energy consumption up to 44% when compared to air-source heat pumps, and up to 77% when compared to electric heat & AC. Geothermal systems also produce virtually no greenhouse gas emissions, since the only electricity required is to run the pump. Saving the environment has never been easier or less expensive!

For more information on Geothermal heating and air conditioning, contact BAIR Necessities at 410.721.4142