The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control. Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.
A geothermal heat pump system takes advantage of the free, renewable energy source found in your own backyard to efficiently and economically heat and cool your home. As a result, the system reduces energy costs for the homeowner-sometimes as much as 70 percent. What's more, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides homeowners with a federal renewable tax credit of 30 percent of the total investment of a geothermal system installation completed before Dec. 31, 2016. This incentive, along with utility rebates and other tax incentives, can make geothermal systems more affordable than ever before.
Unlike ordinary air conditioners or heat pumps, whisper-quiet geothermal systems use no noisy outdoor units that disturb the outdoor environment or neighbors and require less maintenance than ordinary outdoor units subject to the wear and tear of weather, extreme temperatures and vandalism. Once installed, the average system lifespan exceeds 24 years-compared to 15 years for an ordinary system.
While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years. In many cases, the monthly savings a geothermal system offers can offset any monthly loan payments for the system's installation, and the long-term return on investment is likely to be higher. At the same time, the many benefits the system offers may help increase the resale value of your home.
When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed geothermal heat pumps as the best systems for temperature control!
