Is a ground-source heat pump right for you?

As you transition from chilly winter nights to warm spring days, your home or business’s heating and air system takes center stage once again to keep you comfortable. Large temperature changes throughout the year in the Ozarks make having a reliable, efficient heating and cooling system a must!

If you’re building a new home or space for your business or looking to replace your old heating and air unit, a ground-source heat pump may not be top-of-mind. At New-Mac Electric, we are always looking for ways to help our members save on energy costs, and this unit could help you reduce your energy spending over its lifetime. Learn more about ground-source heat pumps, how they work and their benefits today.

What is a ground-source heat pump and how does it work?

A ground-source heat pump (GSHP), also referred to as a geothermal heat pump, is a heat pump that uses the constant temperature of the earth to transfer heat to and from your home.

GSHP systems transfer heat using a loop system installed in the ground. In the heating mode, heat energy is carried into the home through piping connected to and powered by a heat exchange unit inside the home. In the cooling mode, the GSHP system reverses this process by transferring heat from your home into the ground. A geothermal heat pump may also be used for water heating at no or very little additional cost. Watch a short video to learn more about how geothermal heat pumps work. 

Four advantages of ground-source heat pumps

Ground-source heat pump systems offer various benefits over conventional heating and cooling systems. That being said, there are also a few things to consider before purchasing a geothermal system. Here’s a quick list of four advantages of purchasing and installing a ground-source system and a few things to consider:

Advantages:

  • Ground-source heat pumps use 25–50 percent less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems.
  • GSHPs allow for design flexibility and can be installed in new and retrofit situations.
  • These units provide excellent “zone” space conditioning, allowing different parts of your home to be heated or cooled to different temperatures.
  • They are durable and highly reliable.

Other considerations:

Although ground-source heat pumps can be a great option, they may not be right for everyone. Be sure to review these additional considerations to ensure a GSHP is right for you.

  • The upfront cost to install a ground-source heat pump is more than a traditional furnace and air conditioning system.
  • If your ground loop needs to be located a long distance from your home, the GSHP system can experience energy losses.
  • The installation process can be disruptive and intrusive.

Learn more

Although the cost to purchase a ground-source heat pump is more than other heating and cooling equipment, you can save with lower monthly energy bills. And you may be able to reduce the initial cost of the heat pump by taking advantage of Federal tax incentives and rebates from us. To learn more about the rebates New-Mac offers click here.

Or contact us today to learn more at 417-451-1515.