Air Conditioning > Geothermal AC Systems
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Geothermal A/C Systems
Efficient heating from the ground up.
 Geothermal heat pumps (sometimes referred to as GeoExchange, earth-coupled, ground-source, or water-source heat pumps) use the constant temperature of the earth as the exchange medium instead of the outside air temperature.
Even when the surface temperature varies from scorching summer heat to sub-zero cold, a few feet below the earth's surface the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Since this ground temperature is warmer than the air above it during the winter and cooler than the air in the summer, a geothermal heat pump exchanges heat with the earth to heat and cool your home.
As with any heat pump, geothermal heat pumps are able to heat, cool, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. Some models of geothermal systems are available with two-speed compressors and variable fans for more comfort and energy savings.
Geothermal benefits. Compared to air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps are more efficient, quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air.
A dual-source heat pump combines a standard air-source heat pump with a geothermal heat pump. These appliances combine the best of both systems. Dual-source heat pumps have higher efficiency ratings than air-source units, but are not as efficient as geothermal units. The main advantage of dual-source systems is that they cost much less to install than a single geothermal unit, and work almost as well.
Costs, savings and tax benefits. Even though the installation price of a geothermal system can be several times that of an air-source system of the same heating and cooling capacity, the additional costs are returned to you in energy savings in 5–10 years. Note that the installation of a geothermal system depends on the size of your lot, your subsoil and your landscape.
In addition, geothermal systems qualify for 2009 Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency of up to 30% of the system cost.
Contact your local ARS®/Rescue Rooter® heating and air conditioning specialist today to learn more about geothermal heat pumps and other heat systems.
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