Clear the Fog by Dispelling These Geothermal Myths

If you are looking for an undervalued HVAC system, you may not have to look any further than geothermal heating and cooling. They aren’t as popular, but usually achieve far higher efficiency levels and are more effective as well. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding this technology that prevent people from considering it as a serious option.

How They Work

A geothermal system is designed to transfer heat into or out of the ground and your home. It does this using an underground loop system – a series of pipes – that has a water mixture running through it that transfers heat to and from an indoor pump component.

The reason that it’s advantageous to exchange heat with the ground, is that when you go just a few feet down, the temperature is stable year-round. It typically ranges from 45 to 60 degrees, a moderate temperature that’s easier to work with than the extremes of air.

Debunking Geothermal System Myths

Here are some of the common myths about geothermal technology and why they are incorrect:

• They only heat: Instead of needing separate heating and cooling systems, geothermal systems can do both. They can extract heat and put heat into the ground as necessary.

• They are loud: Any noise generated underground typically stays there. The indoor heat pump component makes some noise, but less than a conventional HVAC system would.

• Limited lifespan: A geothermal system can outlive any other HVAC system. The loop system lasts for over 50 years, and the indoor component can last over 20 years before being replaced.

• They have a low efficiency: The reality is that geothermal heating and cooling is much more efficient than the alternatives because of the ground temperature. For example, it’s easier to extract heat from the 45 degree ground in winter than the freezing air outside.

For more information about Geothermal systems and your Orlando home, feel free to contact the HVAC professionals at Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about geothermal myths and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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