Choosing a geothermal heat pump for new home build
About five years ago, my husband and I purchased a plot of land and began planning the design of our home.
We absolutely love the location, size and surroundings of the piece of property. We were determined to build a home that would satisfy our needs for our entire lives. It was important that the layout and our choices for essential systems would fulfill our requirements as a couple as well as a growing family. My husband and I devoted a great deal of time to research. We looked into everything from different types of roofing materials and windows to lighting and plumbing fixtures. One of our main concerns was determining the ideal heating and cooling system. Although the winters in our area are fairly mild, heating is a necessity. The summer heat and humidity tends to be brutal. We were looking for a system that would sufficiently handle temperature control while also keeping our bills and impact on the environment as low as possible. After debating over air conditioners, furnaces, boilers and ductless options, we came across heat pumps. We were initially interested in air-source heat pumps but then discovered geothermal systems. A geothermal heat pump is considered the most environmentally responble choice for temperature control by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The start-up cost is quite a bit higher than a more conventional options because of the excavation needed to install the underground loop system. However, the underground loop takes advantage of the free and renewable energy source provided by the sun. A geothermal heat pump offers efficiency ratings of 400%. It can cut the cost of heating and cooling in half.