When your Shawnee, KS, home needs a new HVAC system, you’ll have no shortage of options. However, traditional HVAC systems like ducted ACs and furnaces aren’t your only choices. You can also choose to switch your home to a geothermal HVAC system. While they’re not for everyone, geothermal systems have significant advantages that make them worth a look.
What is Geothermal HVAC?
A geothermal HVAC system, also known as a ground-source heat pump, uses the earth’s stable underground temperatures to heat and cool your home efficiently. This system pairs a heat pump with an underground loop filled with a refrigerant or water solution. During the cooling season, the geothermal system extracts heat from your indoor air and transfers it to the ground through the underground loop. Essentially, it acts like an air conditioner by absorbing indoor heat and expelling it underground, where it dissipates. Conversely, when you need to heat your home in the winter, the system pulls heat from the earth and transfers it indoors.
The Advantages of Geothermal HVAC
Geothermal HVAC systems enjoy multiple advantages that no other system type can match.
Extraordinary Efficiency
One of the most compelling benefits of a geothermal HVAC system is its remarkable energy efficiency. Geothermal heat pumps can operate at efficiency levels ranging between 300% and 600%. This means they deliver three to six units of heating or cooling for every unit of electricity consumed. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that ground-source heat pumps can reduce your energy costs by up to 50% compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.
Excellent Longevity
Geothermal HVAC systems are known for their impressive durability. The underground loop can last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. Meanwhile, the heat pump unit itself typically has a lifespan of around 20 years. This long-lasting performance means fewer replacements over time, making geothermal systems a wise long-term investment. Geothermal systems are among the most sustainable heating and cooling options available.
Quiet Operation
One of the standout features of geothermal HVAC systems is their exceptionally quiet operation. Unlike traditional air-source systems, geothermal systems have no noisy outdoor compressor unit, as all their components are indoors or underground. This design eliminates the loud hum often associated with conventional outdoor units, especially during cooling mode. Additionally, most geothermal heat pumps are equipped with multi-speed or variable-speed motors, allowing them to adjust their performance based on your home’s heating and cooling needs. This technology enhances energy efficiency and reduces noise levels. As a result, homeowners can enjoy a comfortable indoor environment without the disruptive sounds of a traditional HVAC system running in the background.
The Disadvantages of Geothermal HVAC
While geothermal HVAC systems have many benefits, they aren’t the perfect solution for every homeowner. It’s essential to consider a few drawbacks before making a decision.
High Upfront Cost
The most significant disadvantage of geothermal HVAC systems is the initial investment. Installation can range from $15,000 to $40,000, with the total cost potentially climbing higher depending on factors like property size and installation complexity. The most significant portion of this cost comes from installing the underground refrigerant loop. For larger properties, a shallow horizontal loop can help lower expenses. However, in cases where space is limited, vertical wells may be required. This makes the project more expensive because vertical wells require specialized equipment and additional labor for deeper drilling.
Landscape Damage
Another consideration when installing a geothermal HVAC system is that the project will disrupt your landscaping. While the damage is typically temporary, it can still lead to additional costs. The installation involves digging trenches or drilling vertical wells, disturbing your lawn, garden, or other outdoor features. Additionally, accessing the installation site can be more challenging if you have a small property. In this scenario, your installers might need to remove fences, parts of a hedge, or even ornamental trees in your yard to make room for the necessary equipment. This concern is particularly relevant for homeowners who have invested time and money in cultivating a well-maintained garden or lawn.
The Advantages of Traditional HVAC
There are multiple reasons why traditional HVAC systems dominate the US HVAC market. The most common combination is a forced air system with a central AC and a gas furnace. Here are some of the advantages of traditional HVAC systems.
Low Upfront Costs
Traditional HVAC systems have lower upfront costs compared to geothermal systems. For example, the average price of a gas furnace installation is around $5,500, while a ducted central air conditioning system costs approximately $5,600. Since these two systems often share the same indoor air handler, homeowners can install both at a cost lower than purchasing each system separately. This makes traditional HVAC systems a more budget-friendly option.
Multiple Manufacturers
Due to the popularity of traditional HVAC systems, there are multiple manufacturers you can choose from. The competition between brands leads to increased variety in product features, pricing, and technology. Additionally, more manufacturers often result in more incentives and rebates from different companies, which can help offset the initial installation costs.
Simple Installation
Traditional HVAC systems are well-understood and easy to install. In a home with preexisting ductwork, putting in a new HVAC system takes less than a day in most cases.
More Maintenance Options
Traditional HVAC systems benefit from well-established technology, making it easy to find qualified technicians for routine maintenance and repairs. This ensures quicker service and can lead to lower repair costs due to the abundance of service providers. In contrast, geothermal systems require specialized expertise, which can limit your options and increase service costs due to the need for specialized knowledge and equipment.
The Disadvantages of Traditional HVAC
Traditional HVAC systems are popular, but they are not without their disadvantages.
Not Environmentally Friendly
One of the most significant disadvantages of traditional HVAC systems is that they’re not environmentally friendly. Gas furnaces, for example, emit carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) as byproducts of the combustion process. These emissions contribute to air pollution and can increase your household’s carbon footprint.
Geothermal systems, while not entirely without environmental concerns, are generally a more eco-friendly alternative. They use electricity to operate but consume significantly less than traditional systems. This efficiency results in lower greenhouse gas emissions from power production over time. In addition, though geothermal systems do rely on refrigerants similar to those in conventional air conditioning units, they are less likely to leak due to the enclosed, underground loop design. The combination of reduced electricity usage and lower refrigerant leak risk makes geothermal systems a better choice for homeowners looking to minimize their environmental impact.
Costly To Operate
Traditional HVAC systems can be surprisingly expensive to run, especially as energy prices rise. For instance, the average gas furnace operates at around 81% efficiency, meaning nearly 20% of the fuel you pay for is wasted. This inefficiency can significantly drive up your heating bills during the colder months.
Local HVAC Installation Specialists
At Air Care Heating & Cooling, we have served the residents of Shawnee, KS and the surrounding areas since 1981. We install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems, including geothermal heating and cooling services and ground source heat pumps. Additionally, we can help with all your indoor air quality and water heater needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
