Geothermal Heat Pumps Why should I consider a geothermal heat pump? Geothermal heat pumps are one of the most efficient, comfortable and quiet heating and cooling technologies available. In fact, ENERGY STAR® certified models are over 45% more energy efficient than standard heat pumps! A properly installed and maintained HVAC system can reduce your energy use, improve comfort and help save you money, year after year. Geothermal heat pumps work more efficiently. Geothermal heat pumps use the stable temperature of the ground instead of outside air to heat and cool your home. In winter, underground pipes filled with fluid absorb the earth’s stored heat and carry it into your home. In summer, the system pulls heat from your home and carries it through the pipes down into the earth, returning cool air into your living spaces. You can use them with existing ductwork. Geothermal systems can deliver warm and cool air through your existing ductwork, or they can heat and cool your home through a radiant system, typically through radiant flooring. They make your home more quiet and comfortable. Geothermal systems don’t have outdoor condensing units like traditional air conditioners, so there is no noise outside your home. The system is so quiet that homeowners often don’t even notice when it is operating. Geothermal heating and cooling systems also let you control the level of heating or cooling in different rooms or zones in your home, allowing “zone” space conditioning. They also offer improved indoor humidity control. They can provide hot water, too. Most geothermal heat pumps also replace or supplement your water heater when the system is running by capturing the excess heat produced and pumping it to your hot water tank, thereby reducing your water heating costs. Geothermal heat pumps are environmentally friendly, safe and clean. These systems use less electricity and produce fewer emissions than conventional systems, resulting in less air and water pollution. And, because they have no combustion flames, no flues and no odors, geothermal heat pumps are safer and cleaner to operate.* They are a long-lasting, proven technology. Geothermal heat pumps have been in use since the late 1940s. They have relatively few moving parts and, because the parts are housed indoors, the systems are reliable and often last 20 years or more.* They are a good investment. Depending on factors such as your area’s climate, soil conditions, the system features you choose and available financing and incentives, you may be able to get back your initial investment through lower utility costs in as little as 2 years.* Talk to your contractor to learn more. * energystar.gov