Although geothermal HVAC systems date back to the 1940s, many homeowners still know little about them. You may believe some persistent myths that keep you from seeing the value of the technology for your home in Edgewater, MD. Here are five geothermal HVAC system myths debunked:

Geothermal Systems Need Lots of Land

Geothermal HVAC systems rely on the relatively stable temperatures found just a few feet below the Earth’s surface. They do this by running a fluid or refrigerant through a series of buried pipes to capture or dispel heat. Early systems, though, almost all used horizontally installed pipes, which took up plenty of space.

For that reason, most people still believe that geothermal HVAC systems require large plots of land to install. Today’s geothermal systems can use vertically installed ground loop pipes that don’t need much room. That means geothermal HVAC is now likely to be a viable option for almost every home in Edgewater, MD.

Geothermal Systems Are Noisy

For some reason that we can’t quite understand, many people seem to think geothermal HVAC systems are noisy. On the contrary, they’re among the quietest heating and cooling systems available today. Plus, they have no above-ground outdoor components, so they’re less bothersome to your neighbors.

The compressor is the only part that typically makes any sound, but it should be no more than a low humming. A certified service technician should investigate any other noises.

Geothermal Systems Don’t Last Very Long

One of the only drawbacks to geothermal HVAC systems is their upfront cost. Since they’re more expensive than conventional HVAC systems, it’s often hard to make homeowners see their true value. That job only gets harder when a homeowner believes the myth that geothermal HVAC systems don’t last very long.

In reality, geothermal HVAC systems are far simpler than the conventional systems they typically replace. It’s not unusual for a geothermal system’s indoor components to last for 25 years or more. And the ground loops should keep working for at least 50 years.

That means the average geothermal HVAC system will outlast a conventional furnace and AC system combination. Plus, when the indoor components need replacement, they should cost less than it would to replace those two individual systems. From that perspective, the up-front price of a new geothermal HVAC system is worth the investment.

Geothermal Systems Aren’t Efficient

Another odd myth we often hear repeated about geothermal HVAC systems is that they’re not efficient. We’ve also heard plenty of homeowners tell us that their high-efficiency furnace is almost 100% efficient, making an upgrade impossible. The fact is that geothermal HVAC systems make conventional furnaces look downright wasteful.

A geothermal HVAC system running in heating mode can deliver between 300% and 500% energy efficiency, even in freezing weather. In the summer, geothermal systems routinely outperform conventional air conditioning, too. Best of all, that efficiency translates to savings on your household energy bills.

Geothermal Systems Aren’t Renewable

The last myth on our list involves an argument many people have about so-called renewable technologies. Some insist that geothermal HVAC systems aren’t renewable technology because they consume electricity. Therefore, they insist that only a geothermal HVAC system running on solar power qualifies as renewable.

However, the energy efficiency of geothermal HVAC drastically reduces the average home’s energy consumption. That means a geothermal system consumes less electricity from fossil fuel-burning power plants, contributing to lower emissions. To settle the argument once and for all, consider that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies geothermal HVAC as renewable.

The bottom line is that geothermal HVAC systems offer many benefits for homeowners in Edgewater, MD. We’d be happy to help you explore your geothermal heating and cooling options. Contact our team at Coastal Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc. today to inquire about installing a new geothermal HVAC system.

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