Geothermal heating and cooling systems, sometimes referred to as ground source heat pumps, utilize a system of pipes buried in the ground. Instead of relying on fossil fuels, these underground pipes are filled with water and an environmentally safe refrigerant, which transfers heat to or from the ground into your home.
No matter where you live—from scorching heat in the summer to sub-zero cold in the winter—the ground just a few feet below the earth's surface remains at a relatively constant temperature all year round, making geothermal heating and cooling systems an excellent option for homes here in Louisville. Plus, they are a highly efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional HVAC systems.
When you combine the federal tax incentives, geothermal becomes an affordable option for many homes in the Louisville area.
Geothermal HVAC systems offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice for homeowners and businesses alike. From higher efficiency to lower operating costs, there are many reasons some families and businesses choose to invest in a geothermal heating and cooling system for their HVAC needs.
Because geothermal HVAC systems are installed underground, they don’t have to work as hard as traditional HVAC systems to extract heat from outdoor air to properly heat or cool your home. Instead, a geothermal heat pump system easily absorbs ground heat from the abundant supply stored below your home, meaning geothermal HVAC systems consume significantly less energy—and lead to greater energy savings year after year.
Geothermal systems are a clean, renewable energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions, helping to reduce carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. Not only do geothermal systems operate without greenhouse gasses, they are also more efficient than oil, natural gas, or propane heating systems—achieving between 400-600% energy efficiency ratings.
When you need heating or cooling the most, typical HVAC systems have to work their hardest to convert the outdoor air and regulate the temperature in your home—but not with a geothermal HVAC system. Since they are located underground, where temperatures stay consistent year-round, outdoor temperature fluctuations won’t affect the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Geothermal HVAC systems are known for their durability, making them a long-term investment for your home or business in Louisville. Because they have fewer mechanical parts compared to traditional HVAC systems, which can be prone to wear and tear over time, you’ll save on HVAC repairs throughout the lifetime of your system. The indoor components of a geothermal system, including the heat pump, air handler, and controls, can last up to 25 years or more with proper maintenance. The ground loops, which are buried underground and transfer heat to or from the ground, can last 50 years or more.
Geothermal systems require less maintenance compared to traditional HVAC systems. Since the majority of the system’s components are located indoors or underground, they are protected from outdoor elements, such as weather and debris, which can cause frequent HVAC repairs for traditional systems if not properly maintained. However, regular maintenance by a qualified HVAC professional is still recommended to ensure your geothermal HVAC system is running at peak performance and efficiency.
Determining if geothermal HVAC is right for your specific needs depends on several factors. If you’re interested in a geothermal HVAC system for your home or business, you’ll want to be sure to consider the following:
Geothermal systems are suitable for a wide range of property types, including residential and commercial buildings. They are especially ideal for new constructions or major retrofits, as the geothermal pipes will have to be installed in the ground.
Geothermal systems require adequate space for the ground loops, which can be horizontal or vertical depending on the available land. Consider the site conditions and available space when assessing if a geothermal HVAC system is right for you.
While geothermal systems offer long-term savings in energy costs, the upfront installation cost can be higher than traditional HVAC systems. You’ll want to consider your budget and financial resources before deciding if this investment is right for you.
If you are committed to reducing emissions and using renewable energy, geothermal HVAC can be a great fit for your sustainability goals.
Our qualified HVAC professionals at Prudential can help to assess your specific needs and determine if geothermal HVAC is the right choice for your home or business in Louisville.
“Our job is not complete until you are completely satisfied!” That’s more than just a slogan, it’s our promise to you. We are determined to exceed your expectations and provide customized solutions at a competitive price. Most importantly, we take an integrity-based approach by offering quality service and honest communication. You can depend on Prudential.
We are all about the comfort of our clients, and that means being there to solve your heating or cooling problem when you need us. In an industry where accessibility matters, we will always do our best to be available as quickly as possible without diminishing our outcomes or the work-life balance of our team members.
