Geothermal

Why Install a Geothermal System?

Living with a geothermal system is an exceptionally quiet, comfortable, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly experience. Even better, take advantage of the federal government's ENERGY STAR tax credit to save you money on nature's best heating and cooling system. Our licensed technicians are Geothermal experts who can evaluate your home and take you step-by-step through installation of your new system.

PLUS! Consumers who install geothermal heat pumps can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before December 31, 2016 through the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit. Anne Arundel residents can even receive an additional $2500 tax credit towards the purchase and installation a Geothermal system. With all of these savings, this is the best time to consider investing in a Geothermal system

Geothermal heating and cooling systems save on average $200 on a $500 energy bill per month, for the rest of your life, not to mention almost zero maintenance, an average 22-year life span, and a percentage of FREE hot water. You actually make money every month even when you factor in the installation cost.

• Enhanced comfort - geothermal systems run consistent temperatures year round
• Improved in door air quality (IAQ)- doesn't dry out the air as much as conventional systems
• Geothermal systems save you money on your energy bills!
• Free hot water
• Environmentally friendly - save our planet by reducing your carbon foot print
• Extended warranties for peace of mind
• Aesthetics/Reduced noise - no loud, ugly outdoor equipment
• No onsite combustion - no worries about carbon monoxide, fuel leaks/spills, or fumes
• Geothermal systems require minimal maintenance and filter changes
• No weather damage, corrosion, or vandalism
• Reliable, with a long service life - 24 years average life of the geothermal system and 55 years average life for the geothermal ground loop piping
• "Green" technology recognized by LEED
• Geothermal systems have earned ENERGY STAR certification by the EPA and DOE.

How Does Geothermal Energy Work?

Simply put, in winter, warmth is drawn from the earth through a series of pipes, called a loop, installed beneath the ground. A water solution circulates through the loop and carries the earth's natural warmth (in Colorado the earth stays at a relatively constant temperature of approximately 48-55 degrees) to a geothermal heat pump inside the home. The geothermal heat pump concentrates the earth's thermal energy and transfers it to air circulated through interior ductwork or to radiant heat in flooring.

In the summer, the process is reversed; heat is extracted from air inside the home and transferred to the biggest "heat sink" of all- Earth by way of geothermal loops.

Also, 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, and further lower your home's total emissions. Geothermal can also be used in conjunction with solar, radiant floor systems, as well as used to preheat domestic hot water.

Who Can Use Geothermal Systems?

Geothermal systems can be found in all types of structures from residential housing to commercial buildings. From new construction to existing structures, luxury homes and middle-class homes to townhomes and condos, geothermal systems are becoming a valuable option. More builders are seeking geothermal technology to increase energy efficiency and reduce their 'carbon footprint'. Benefits that conventional heating and cooling systems just can't match.

Additional Resources/Comments

Click here to read an article from Forbes.com on Geothermal systems. (PDF)

"We were pleased w/ the Y/Y comparison this (first full post-install) month. Even accounting for a 3 degree higher average temp and one fewer day this year, 11 therms vs. 134 is rather compelling. Our bill was $263 lower despite what I'd imagine are equal or higher per-therm prices Y/Y. The incalculable "soft" benefit was that this year we maintained a comfortable 70 degrees whereas last year we did the typical thermostat gymnastics and would allow it to get a bit chilly at times. Pun definitely intended, we're rubbing our hands together anticipating a cold month's savings." ~ Kevin (Arnold, MD)

Serving: Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Bethesda, Rockville, Bowie, Ellicott City, Columbia and surrounding areas.