How Does Geothermal Heating Work?

If you're considering a serious investment in your home and its HVAC system, you may be wondering: How does geothermal heating work? Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are the most energy efficient and durable type of central home heating and cooling system available. 

The answer to how does geothermal heating work lies in the ground —literally, as it uses the stored energy underground to act as a source for home heating. When combined with the heat-capturing technology of a heat pump, a GHP gives you dependable, energy-efficient and abundant heating regardless of the temperature outdoors. 

How They Work

• Most GHPs use an underground loop field that's filled with a heat-capturing liquid to either harvest heat in the winter or deposit it in the summer. Some GHPs use a nearby water source for this heat-exchange process.

• The loop field for a ground-source heat pump lies underground and can be placed horizontally or vertically. A vertical placement is ideal for small yards.

• Unlike a traditional heat pump or air conditioner, a GHP doesn't use an outdoor condenser since the GHP harvests the heat underground and not from the outside air. This is central to the question of how does geothermal heating work and why it's so desirable. The temperature changes very little deep underground where the loop field is, unlike the weather above the ground. A heat source is always consistent and ample.

Their Benefits

• Geothermal heat pumps do not use fossil fuels, and as such, they operate more safely since there's no worry about carbon monoxide poisoning since there is no combustion process involved, which also lowers the risk of fire.

• GHPs last longer than other kinds of HVAC systems. The outdoor loop field usually carries a warranty of 50 years and more, while the indoor components can last at least 25 years with routine maintenance.

• Although they cost more to install, the federal government is offering a 26%tax credit for homeowners who install a GHP in their existing, primary homes. This credit is good through 2022 and covers the complete cost of the purchase and installation.

To learn more about the answer to the question of how does geothermal heating work, contact the pros at Air Assurance. We provide HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners. 

There’s Still Plenty of Time to Get Tax Credits on Geothermal Heat Pumps

While many of the federal tax incentives for energy-efficient residential HVAC systems expired a couple of years ago, the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps (and home solar systems) remains in effect through 2016. This means homeowners still have a year to write off a big part of their investment for this super-efficient technology, the geothermal heat pump.

How Does a Geothermal System Work?

Geothermal systems start with a network of pipes buried on your property, or submerged in a body of water. The ground system can either be a shallow horizontal loop field or a very deep vertical loop field, depending on what sort of lot your house is built on, among other factors. A liquid solution — usually a mixture of antifreeze and water — serves as the medium of heat exchange.For heating, the solution circulates in the pipes, extracting heat from the ground, which is a moderate 50-60 degrees. The heat energy is transferred from the water solution to a heat pump unit inside the house, and then transferred into indoor air, which is distributed via a blower fan and ducts, just as with any heat pump system. Cooling with a geothermal heat pump works the same way, except that heat energy extracted from the house is transferred to the water-antifreeze solution, and then "rejected" into the ground.

Why is this So Efficient?

The energy used in a standard air-source heat pump is mainly used to extract heat energy from cold air for heating, or to release heat energy into very warm air for cooling. When the heat is being released from, or deposited into, ground or water that's neither hot nor cold, much less energy is required. This is what happens with a geothermal heat pump.

How Do the Tax Credits Work?

The energy-efficiency federal tax credit equals 30 percent of the cost of purchasing and installing an Energy Star-qualified geothermal heat pump in your home or second residence (not rentals).

For more information on installing an energy-saving geothermal heating and cooling system in your Broken Arrow area home, please contact us at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “karen roach/Shutterstock”

Five Things You Need to Know About Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are a highly versatile climate control option for just about any home, offering excellent performance as well as tremendous savings. But before you decide to buy one, consider a few things you should know:

1. There are actually two types of heat pumps. Heat pumps can be divided into air-source and ground-source variants.

   • An air source heat pump uses outdoor air to gather latent heat during the heating season and release latent heat during the cooling season.

   • A ground-source heat pump, on the other hand, draws its latent heat from below-ground water sources. It also sends latent heat underground during the cooling season.

2. They use refrigerant to cool and heat your home. The average air conditioner uses its refrigerant as a medium for collecting latent heat found within indoor air and expelling that heat outdoors. A heat pump follows the same principle during the cooling season, but it completely reverses the process during the heating season, when it uses its refrigerant to draw latent heat from the outdoor air instead.

3. They can be used with supplementary heat sources. Most heat pumps are designed to be paired with electric, gas, or even oil heat. This can give you an effective fallback if you need a little extra heat during the winter.

4. Having one installed in your home can help save you money. A typical heat pump is designed to use far less energy for heating and cooling than other types of HVAC systems. An Energy Star-qualified system can save you even more money, as these units use up to 20 percent less energy than standard models.

5. Buying one can qualify you for a tax credit. Purchasing a ground-source heat pump can qualify you for a federal tax credit toward 30 percent of your system’s total cost.

To learn more about how a heat pump can help keep your home comfortable year-round, contact us at Air Assurance. We proudly serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.

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The Importance of Sizing a Geothermal Heat Pump

A geothermal heat pump is an inexpensive, renewable way of heating and cooling your home by using energy from the ground. However, before you invest in a geothermal system, it's important to get the correct size for your space. Otherwise, you could end up wasting energy instead of saving it. Let's look at why sizing a geothermal heat pump is so important, and how to do it properly.

How a Geothermal System Works

No matter what the weather is like outside, the temperature about 10 feet underground is a constant 50 to 60 degrees. A geothermal system buries a loop of pipe beneath the ground, then circulates liquid through it to absorb that heat energy and bring it into the home. During the summer, a geothermal heat pump extracts heat energy from indoor air and uses the ground as a heat-sink to dispose of the unwanted heat. The cool air is the result of this heat extraction.

Problems With Improper Sizing

If you size your system too small, it won't have the capacity to heat or cool the air as it should. It has to work harder to do the job properly, using extra electricity and putting undue stress on system components, which can cause unnecessary damage and ultimately shorten system life.Sizing a geothermal heat pump too large causes problems as well. A system that's too big will cycle on and off too frequently, which also causes damage and uses excess electricity. It also creates a disparity in temperature from one area to the next and can fail to dehumidify the space, making things wet and clammy.

So what size should your geothermal system be? It depends on the size of your home, as well as climate, soil type and other factors. Talk to a professional HVAC contractor, who can measure these factors and make sure your geothermal system and piping loop are the proper size for your home.

For help sizing a geothermal heat pump for your home, contact us at Air Assurance.

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Let's Debunk Common Geothermal Heating & Cooling Myths

Geothermal heating and cooling is generating substantial interest as more homeowners adopt the ultimate in low-cost and environmentally friendly indoor comfort. Just six feet beneath the earth's surface, temperatures average about 55 degrees. This convenient geological fact, combined with efficient heat pump technology, turns the earth itself into an available energy source for geothermal heating and cooling.

Misunderstandings and myths surround some of the basics of geothermal heating and cooling, however. Here are a few you may hear—plus the actual facts of the matter.

Geothermal Consumes Electricity

The nominal electricity consumed by a geothermal system is utilized only to power the heat pump compressor, circulation pumps and blower. Heat produced by a geothermal system is extracted from the earth by a ground heat exchanger consisting of buried tubes that continuously circulate a heat-absorbing solution. In summer, the system reverses and extracts heat from the home, dispersing it back into the earth through the ground heat exchanger.

Geothermal Requires Lots of Space

In a horizontal installation, tubing can be arranged in loops and “slinky” type configuration to reduce the required square footage. Moreover, heat exchange tubing can also be installed vertically, in a deep bore drilled into the ground. Vertical installations can be adapted to almost any size lot.

Underground Components Degrade

High-density polyethylene tubing utilized for the ground heat exchanger is typically guaranteed for 50 years or more. Because they are not exposed to weather extremes, buried components typically incur less wear and tear than surface components of a conventional A/C system.

Geothermal Heat Pumps Make Noise

All above-ground components of a geothermal system are installed indoors. Because heat is absorbed and dispersed by the buried heat exchanger, there are no noisy coil fans running.

Solar Panels and Wind Generators Are More Efficient

For every unit of energy consumed, a geothermal system returns four units of heating or cooling. Reduction in power demand of a geothermal system is equal to or up to four times greater than solar or wind.

Ask the professionals at Air Assurance for more facts about the advantages of geothermal heating and cooling.

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Experience the Cost-Efficient Benefits of Geothermal Systems

Geothermal systems are energy efficient and can cut heating and cooling costs each time they run. These systems also benefit the larger community by lowering the demand for natural resources, both for fuel and materials. As such, geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) top the list of HVAC equipment that can help reduce energy consumption and durability. In the short term, financial incentives for installing a geothermal system may entitle you to:

Federal Tax Credits. 

A federal tax credit, active until December 31, 2016, lets you claim 30 percent on the cost of the equipment and installation to offset any taxes you owe. If the amount exceeds your liability, you can carry the credit forward into the following year.The GHP must meet the program requirements active at installation to qualify. However, the cost of your ductwork and supplemental heater coils are not included. This credit covers primary and secondary homes, both new and existing. Rental properties are not eligible.

Local Incentives. 

Periodically, local communities and energy providers offer different types of incentives for making home improvements that increase energy efficiency. As you explore the benefits of geothermal systems with your HVAC provider, ask the company representative to discuss the incentives available for your area.

Over time, you'll experience these benefits from a GHP:

Low energy consumption.

Because GHPs use heat stored underground for the heat exchange process, it uses less energy. This is because temperatures underground are more stable, unlike temperatures above ground that have wide swings. Energy Star GHPs can reach nearly 600 percent efficiency, while gas furnaces can only reach 100 percent. In the cooling mode, it uses less energy than central A/C systems because it deposits excess heat from your home underground, where it's much cooler.

Durability.

GHP loop fields typically carry a 50 year warranty, indoor heat pumps may last 25 years or more with routine maintenance.

The pros at Air Assurance can help learn more about the benefits of geothermal systems. We've been serving Broken Arrow homeowners for more than 30 years

.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “shanesabin/Shutterstock”

Get a Federal Tax Credit for Installing a Geothermal Heat Pump

A geothermal heat pump is the most energy efficient and durable system you can use in your home and a federal tax credit exists to help you offset the higher cost of these systems. A heat pump cools and heats by moving heat from one place to another. While air-source heat pumps depend on outdoor temperatures to harvest or deposit heat, a geothermal system executes this process by using underground resources.

Since temperatures vary little underground throughout the year, the geothermal system is more efficient at both heating and cooling. They use a loop field that's buried deeply underground as the resource for depositing heat in the summer and the resource in the winter. It's the loop field that adds the extra cost to a geothermal heat pump, and the tax credits will help offset this expense.

Homeowners who install a qualifying system can deduct its entire cost, with some exceptions, to receive a 30 percent credit on federal taxes. This credit applies to primary and secondary homes, but not rental properties. It even applies to new home construction. The program is so generous because geothermal systems have a low carbon footprint. The loop field can last 50 years or more, and the heat pump itself may last 25 years.

The federal tax credit won't cover the cost of the ductwork or a backup heating coil, but it will cover the cost of the desuperheater, an upgrade that takes the heat from your home and uses it to heat your water.

A geothermal system must meet the requirements for the Energy Star program to qualify and it must be installed on or before December 31, 2016. You can deduct the entire cost of the system, except for the ductwork and heating coil, to receive the credit. There's no cap on the amount you can deduct for the loop field and the remaining heat pump and desuperheater if you opt for this upgrade.

If you'd like more information about a geothermal heat pump and the federal tax credit, contact Air Assurance, serving Broken Arrow homeowners with HVAC services since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Don't Fall for These Geothermal System Myths

Geothermal HVAC systems take advantage of the earth's subterranean temperature. Although atmospheric temperatures fluctuate because of seasonal weather conditions, underground temperatures are surprisingly consistent at a depth of four to six feet.

Even though underground heat pump systems have been used successfully for 60+ years, geothermal system myths still abound, including:

• Durability. One geothermal system myth is that these systems are not durable. However, the earth loops that form the underground pipe network are remarkably long-lived. They can last for 50 years and typically carry an equal warranty. Water is most commonly used in the pipe network, instead of refrigerant-filled pipes.

• Noise Level. Geothermal systems are not noisy, contrary to common belief. Because the outside configuration is buried underground, it produces no noise to disturb your neighbors. The part of the system that is located indoors runs quietly. Geothermal applications are often misunderstood as one-dimensional, such as only capable of heating your home. But systems also include cooling, and they can even be configured to handle multiple tasks such as heating your home, your water inside and outside in pools.

• Space Requirements. A prevailing geothermal system myth is that you need a large yard. But even small yards can accommodate the underground network. If you have a larger yard, a horizontal configuration works well, but if your yard is small, you can have a vertical geothermal system.

• Renewability. Another myth is that a geothermal system is not a renewable energy technology. The fact is that geothermal systems reduce up to four times the consumption load on the electric grid than photovoltaic and wind power add to it.

• Cost. Perhaps the most popular geothermal system myth is that these systems are cost prohibitive to install and maintain. Although water does circulate throughout the earth loops, it is a recirculating system so there's actually no continual water consumption. The initial installation cost, which is sometimes costly, is offset by tax incentives and the overall savings over the life of the system.

Contact the experts at Air Assurance for any questions you have about installing a geothermal system for your Broken Arrow home.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Your Geothermal Heat Pump: How Long Will It Last?

When considering the high cost of installing a geothermal heat pump in the Tulsa area, the fundamental question of the system's longevity and maintenance costs needs to be addressed. The answer is simple: geothermal installations last a long time, and they require less maintenance than comparable gas or electric systems.

The heart, and primary cost of the system is the geothermal loop. If you choose a horizontal system, your contractor needs to remove a considerable amount of topsoil during the installation. After digging through four to six feet of red Oklahoma dirt, durable plastic pipe is installed and your yard is reconditioned.

The piping in the geothermal loop is rated to last 25-50 years, so you'll likely never need to replace it. Vertical geothermal loops cost more, as a deep hole needs to be drilled. But, if you have sensitive landscaping or limited space it might be the option for you. Since it's buried underground, the ground loop rarely needs maintenance—the high-density polyethylene plastic tubing is fused together, and shouldn't leak. Unlike exterior air conditioners and heat pumps, the ground loop can't be damaged by the elements or stolen.

In your home, the old inefficient furnace is removed and replaced with a compact, durable geothermal heat pump. This unit uses your existing duct work to heat and cool your home. It needs some of the same preventive maintenance that a traditional heater needs, like changing the air filters, but geothermal heat pumps are rated to last 20 or more years when cared for correctly.

Although the entry cost is high, a geothermal system is a long-lasting solution to expensive energy and HVAC maintenance costs in Broken Arrow. There are also intangible benefits, like less noise and consistent, comfortable temperatures in your home.

If you have more questions about geothermal energy, or if you're ready to take the next step, Air Assurance in Broken Arrow can help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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4 Geothermal System Benefits That May Persuade You to Install Your Own

4 Geothermal System Benefits That May Persuade You to Install Your Own

Installing a geothermal system for heating/cooling your Tulsa area home is a good idea and could represent one of the more important decisions you make regarding your home's energy bills. With geothermal heat pumps considered as one of the most efficient and economical means of conditioning a home's interior, installations here in northeastern Oklahoma have soared.

Efficiency and economy are two outstanding benefits of a geothermal system, whether water-source or ground-source. When in heating mode, these unique heat-pump systems absorb heat from the ground or water (surface or below-ground) and transfer it to your home's interior. Because no heat is being created and no combustion occurs, heating efficiency can be as much as 300-400 percent greater than with a top-of-the-line furnace. It's also safer, with no carbon monoxide or other negative environmental effects being produced.

In cooling mode, heat is absorbed from inside your home and transferred outside, either to the ground or water source, depending on the type of geothermal system being employed. This operation is the same as with conventional air-source heat pumps, with the exception of where the heat goes once it's been removed from your living area.

Because the earth (below the frost line) and water bodies (below freezing depth) remain at a fairly constant temperature, they are a perfect source of heat in winter and an ideal repository for heat in summer. The ground loops installed to facilitate the heat transfer promoted by geothermal system operation are typically made from high-density polyethylene or copper piping and have a life-expectancy of up to 50 years.

Here are four major benefits to consider:

1. High efficiency and low, economical operating costs.

2. Low environmental impact, with zero CO, CO2 or other greenhouse gas production.

3. Quiet operation due to no need for outside compressor or fan units.

4. Less maintenance required due to fewer moving parts, leading to longer life expectancy (25-50 years).

Since being founded in 1985, Air Assurance, located in Broken Arrow, has grown to be the largest HVAC service-provider in Metro Tulsa. Please contact us for further information on geothermal or advice on any other indoor air comfort matters.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Going Geothermal: Clean, Efficient Cooling for Tulsa's Hot Summers

Going Geothermal: Clean, Efficient Cooling for Tulsa's Hot Summers

Homeowners who strive for a high level of energy efficiency and longevity with their HVAC systems often choose geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). These systems top the list for both and provide all the cooling you need for Tulsa's long and hot summers. A GHP uses underground thermal energy to provide both cooling and heating by exchanging heat. In the summer, the GHP sends it underground, and in the winter, it removes the heat from the ground.A GHP consists of an underground loop field and an indoor air handler. Heat from the home is conveyed through refrigerant in the air coil to the underground loops, where the heat is absorbed by the earth. The compressor turns the refrigerant back into a liquid that is recirculated back to the air handler. It flows through the evaporator coil, and once again, picks up the excess heat in your home. The cycle continues until your home reaches the thermostat's setting.These systems offer much higher efficiency than standard air-source heat pumps or air conditioners because the temperatures underground are much cooler than the outdoor air and remain stable day and night. If you combine a desuperheater with the GHP, you can heat your water during the summer with the waste heat from your home.Besides conditioning bills that may be as much as 60 percent lower, your geothermal system lasts longer than conventional cooling systems. The loop field can last 50 years or more and the air handler 25 years with routine maintenance.These systems are so efficient and advantageous for homeowners that a federal tax credit exists to cover 30 percent of the cost and installation of qualifying systems. It's valid through the end of December 2016 and there's no upward limit on it.GHPs cost more than standard heat pumps or air conditioners, largely because of the loop field's installation, which varies based on the size of GHP you need, the yard's size, landscaping and soil conditions.If you'd like to learn more about a geothermal heat pump, contact Air Assurance. We've provided HVAC services for Tulsa and Broken Arrow since 1985.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Geothermal Installation Types: Open Loop Vs. Closed Loop Systems

The loop system in your geothermal installation is the extensive network of pipes buried in the ground (in a ground-source system) or submerged in water (in a water-source system) where the temperature stays consistent year round. An antifreeze solution or water is circulated through the loop. The heat pump components of the geothermal installation extracts heat from the loop for indoor heating and transfers heat from your indoor environment to it for home cooling.There are two main types of loop systems available for your geothermal installation:

• Closed loop:Closed loop systems are used in both ground and water-source applications. They are, as their name suggests, closed off, which means the antifreeze solution stays within the pipes. Horizontal closed-loop systems are the most common. These use a loop system that covers several square feet of horizontal ground area. Vertical loop systems are used where there is not a lot of open ground available for installing the loop system. The loop is installed in a series of deep vertical holes drilled into the ground, usually about 100 to 400 feet deep and set 20 feet apart. Vertical loops are also used where the soil is rocky, where the topsoil is thin or where horizontal loops are impractical.

• Open loop: In an open loop system, water from a well, pond, lake or aquifer is used instead of the antifreeze solution within the loop. The water circulates through the heat pump. After heat is extracted from or transferred to the water, it returns to the original source, to a recharge well, or to a surface discharge and drainage system. To use an open-loop system, you must have a sufficient supply of water available to sustain its operation. In addition, the water must meet local regulations covering groundwater discharge and pollution.

For nearly three decades, Air Assurance has been a leading source of professional HVAC services in Tulsa and the surrounding communities. Contact us today for more information on the options available for your geothermal installation and for expert advice on whether an open loop or closed loop system will work best for your needs.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Geothermal Heat Pump: Which Type Is Best For Your Tulsa-Area Home?

Heating and cooling your home can seem like a constant battle against nature.  But nature itself provides a sustainable source of temperate air right in your own backyard.About ten feet below ground, the temperature year-round is near-constant at about 54 degrees.  This is significantly cooler than the summer highs, and warmer than the winter lows.  One of the most eco-friendly heating and cooling systems available, a geothermal heat pump uses this phenomenon to reduce the work your heater and your air conditioner have to do.Geothermal heat pumps route air through buried pipes called ground loops, allowing the loops to balance their temperature with the earth below the frost line.  This gives the heating and cooling systems a big head start on their temperature adjustment, making for impressive efficiencies.  Because of their high efficiency and environmental friendliness, geothermal heat pump systems are eligible for hefty tax credits.The geothermal loop best suited for your home will take full advantage of available terrain features.  Different kinds of ground loops include:

• The horizontal loop. Often the best option for homes with large yard space, as the trenches are among the shallower holes that can be dug for the ground loop system. A certain amount of space is required for these, making them less suitable for small properties.

• Pond loops. A variation on horizontal loops, these take advantage of bodies of water such as ponds. This is only practical for bodies of water which meet certain depth and size standards, however.

• Vertical loops. Though they require much deeper trenches than horizontal loops, vertical loops have a much smaller horizontal footprint, making them more practical for small properties and densely-built areas.

• Open-loop and groundwater systems. Where there's an abundant supply of groundwater, this can be used as the heating/cooling fluid in place of air.

While this article can give you an idea of the options available, the best way to discover which geothermal heat pump system is right for your home is to talk to an expert.  If you'd like to learn more, feel free to contact us at Air Assurance.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

3 Geothermal Installation Factors

A geothermal installation allows homeowners to take advantage of the steady temperature of the earth or bodies of water to warm and cool your home. Just a few feet below the surface, the ground maintains a consistent average temperature of 55 degrees year-round. Similarly, lakes and water wells also offer stable sources of temperature that a heat pump can utilize to absorb and disperse heat. With over a million residential installations, geothermal has become the fastest-growing heating  and cooling source based on renewable energy. It offers efficiencies as much as four times greater than conventional, combustion-based heating and alleviates the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels in your home. Three factors will influence the type of geothermal installation that best fits your needs and the specific characteristics of your property:  GeologyClosed loop geothermal installations utilize buried loops of plastic tubing which circulate heat transfer fluid to absorb the earth’s heat in winter and disperse heat extracted from the home in summer.  For maximum heat transfer, certain soil types are better than others. Damp clay-like soils provide the greatest efficiency while dry, sandy soils are the least desirable.HydrologyInstallation of geothermal loops in a nearby pond or well requires a year-round water depth of at least 8 feet in order to provide the required temperature stability. The body of water should be fed from some dependable source and not subject to loss of depth during times of reduced rainfall.LandLoop fields are sized according to the heating and cooling load of the home. Horizontal loop fields require the most ground space for installation.  A good rule of thumb for a horizontal loop field is that the installation will require unobstructed land of approximately the same size as the footprint of the house. At locations where insufficient land exists for horizontal excavation, vertical bores deep into the ground are commonly used to save space.Since 1985, Air Assurance has served local homeowners with the largest full-service HVAC fleet in Tulsa. Give us a call and let us explain more about the options for geothermal installation in your home.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock

The Geothermal Heat Pump: Still Eligible For That Hefty Tax Credit

Geothermal heat pumps are highly efficient heating and cooling systems that operate cleanly, quietly and economically. If you are considering installing a geothermal heat pump in your Tulsa-area home, remember there are still substantial energy tax credits available from the federal government that will help offset the cost of the system.By investing in geothermal heating and cooling, you are installing a home-comfort system that is astonishingly efficient, returning three or four units of heat for each unit of electricity the system consumes. This sounds like a physical impossibility, but it works because geothermal heat pumps move existing heat rather than burn fuel to generate it.Geothermal systems can slash energy costs by up to 70 percent. System prices vary based on factors such as the type of system and the features of the home where it is installed, but it is not uncommon for geothermal heat pump systems to cost between $10,000 and $20,000.In an effort to make geothermal heating and cooling more accessible, and at the same time promote energy conservation, the U.S. government offers a substantial income tax credit to homeowners who make the switch to geothermal. These credits can be applied directly to a homeowner's income taxes for the year in which the geothermal equipment was purchased and brought into service.Major points to keep in mind about the tax credits include:

• Credits amount to 30 percent of the system's cost, with no upper limit.

• System must be placed into service by Dec. 31, 2016.

• Credits apply to both the cost of the heat pump and the installation.

• Credits apply only to equipment for a primary residence or secondary home; rental units do not qualify.

• Credits are valid for geothermal systems purchased for either new or existing homes.

Federal tax credits expire in 2016. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for information on other incentives programs for Oklahoma.For more than 30 years, Air Assurance been a leading HVAC sales, installation and service provider to customers in and around Tulsa. Contact us today for more information on geothermal heat pump systems and how one can benefit you.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Get The Dirt On Geothermal Cooling Alternatives

Summer brings with it heat surges and extremely high temperatures, which can be very uncomfortable. This warrants the use of a good quality cooling system to maintain comfort in your home. Geothermal cooling works by transferring heat collected from your home to the earth's crust. This is done using a refrigerant, which extracts the heat from your indoor air and circulates into a loop in the ground (or into a nearby water source), where the heat is released. Because geothermal cooling loops are placed under ground or under water, they don't experience the same wear and tear that an outdoor unit of a typical central air conditioner might. In fact, geothermal loops usually carry a life expectancy of 50 years, with a warranty to match. Indoor units usually have a life expectancy of approximately 25 years.While some may be hesitant to consider geothermal cooling due to the initial price tag, it's important to consider the year-round and long-term savings these systems offer. Since a geothermal heat pump simply moves heat energy from place to place to either cool or heat your home, it doesn't require the same level of energy as a typical A/C or furnace. Using the constant temperatures of the earth's surface, these systems can sometimes provide efficiencies of 300-600 percent during the winter, a significant improvement over even the highest efficiency furnace.In addition, tax incentives are still available from the federal government for geothermal installations. If you're considering geothermal cooling and heating for your Broken Arrow-area home, you could qualify for a credit of 30 percent of the total cost, with no upper limit.For more information on geothermal systems, or for expert advice, installation, maintenance or repair, contact us today at Air Assurance.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     

Factors To Consider If You Want To Make The Switch To Geothermal

Considering making the switch to a geothermal heat pump system?If so, you are probably making a wise decision. Geothermal, or ground-source, heat pumps offer many benefits, and their exceptional energy efficiency and durability make them a good long-term investment. However, there are a few factors to weigh before making a final decision on which type of system to install.Before making the switch to geothermal, you should first consider:

• The amount of land available - Geothermal heat pumps are energy efficient because they can pump heat to or from the ground, utilizing long loops of buried pipe to do so. Though it is possible to fit these pipe loops in almost any size yard, a larger land area allows the loops to be buried horizontally just a few feet underground. A small yard may require the loops to be sunk vertically, up to several hundred feet deep--which increases digging costs.

• Landscaping costs - Installing the loops horizontally may be cheaper, but if digging trenches across your yard would interfere with existing landscaping, a vertical installation (which disturbs little of the surface soil) may still be your best bet.

• The type of soil - Some kinds of soil are better at transferring heat between the pipes and the ground, which means less pipe (and less digging) is required.

• Nearby water sources - If you have a pond or lake next to your house, it may be possible to simply submerge the pipe loops under water. This is generally much cheaper than digging and burying the loops under your yard.

• Open loop options - Similarly, an open loop system minimizes digging by simply pumping water to and from the body of water (or the ground itself, if your property supports groundwater wells). This eliminates the long loops of pipe are otherwise needed.

• Tax credits - When doing the math on a ground-source system, remember that the 30 percent tax credit on geothermal installations is still in effect (through 2016). Also available, are rebates from PSO, or other local utility providers.

If you have questions about any of this, feel free to contact the heat pump experts at Air Assurance in Broken Arrow. We would be happy to help.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!     

Six Reasons Why You Should Consider Using A Geothermal Unit To Heat And Cool Your Home

If you are tired of dealing with rising power costs, noisy heating systems and frequent furnace breakdowns, the answer to your problems could be hidden right beneath your feet. By taking advantage of the stable temperatures found just beneath the surface of the earth, geothermal heat pumps provide one of the most reliable, energy efficient heating and cooling solutions.Some of the main benefits of geothermal systems include the following:

1. Quieter operation. Standard heat pumps and air conditioners rely on noisy outdoor condenser units. Geothermal systems, on the other hand, don't require outdoor units, allowing them to heat and cool your home with far less noise than their traditional counterparts.

2. Improved energy efficiency. Rather than burning fuel, these systems extract the heat that is found naturally in the ground, making them one of the most energy efficient heating and cooling options available.

3. Better for the environment. Geothermal heating and cooling systems do not give off greenhouse gases, making them one of the most eco-friendly choices for environmentally conscious homeowners and businesses.

4. Longer lifespan, less maintenance. These systems have a much longer lifespan than conventional furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners, meaning that they will need to be replaced less often. Not only that, but because they have very few moving parts, they are also less prone to breakdowns than other types of heating and cooling equipment.

5. Improved safety. Unlike typical furnaces, geothermal heat pumps don’t give off harmful gases like carbon monoxide, making them a much safer option for you and your loved ones.

6. Lower power bills. These units consume far less power than traditional heating and cooling methods, making them a good choice for lowering your power costs. In fact, despite their relatively high installation costs, one of these systems can easily pay for itself through energy savings over just a few short years.

If you live in eastern Oklahoma and would like to learn more about how installing one of these systems can save you money and improve the comfort of your home, please contact us at Air Assurance.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!      Photo courtesy ofShutterstock.

Geothermal: The Energy Gem Buried In Your Yard

The temperature of the earth is approximately 55 degrees across the globe below the frost line, regardless of climate. Geothermal heat pumps utilize this constant source of heat energy by transferring it from the ground into your HVAC system. Using the constant and free geothermal heat source below your property is a highly energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly way to condition the air inside your home.Geothermal systems consist of two parts: an indoor heat pump unit that adjusts the air temperature, and a ground loop of piping that transfers the heat energy from the earth into the heat pump via a liquid carrier. The system does not have an exterior condensing unit like conventional systems, and therefore runs much more quietly.Geothermal is a ubiquitous heat energy source that does not depend on the variable utilities market. Because heat is transferred rather than generated, a geothermal system does not rely on typical fuel sources such as gas, propane or electricity. The best gas furnaces available on the market provide up to 94 percent efficiency, while a geothermal system provides up to 400 percent efficiency.The initial cost of a geothermal system is higher than with conventional systems because of the need to drill into the ground to install the ground loop. However, because of the gain in energy efficiency, the initial costs are recoverable over the payback period, which will vary depending on your energy usage and system size. Check to see if you qualify for current federal, state and local tax incentives, which are available to help consumers recover higher initial costs and encourage the use of the virtually limitless heat source beneath their feet with geothermal.For more information on how geothermal systems can provide efficient heating and cooling to your home, contact the experts at Air Assurance. We've been providing quality products and services to Broken Arrow residents for more than 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     Photo courtesy ofShutterstock.

Take Advantage Of Two Rebate Programs To Drive Down The Final Cost Of Your High-Efficiency Air Conditioning

Over the past few years, the media has made a pretty big deal about government tax credits that have made upgrading to energy-efficient equipment a reality with increased savings. However, you may not have heard as much about other rebates from manufacturers and utility companies that you can access when upgrading to high-efficiency air-conditioning systems. For many homeowners, these combined rebates can often mean the difference between upgrading and maintaining the status quo.The Public Service Company of Oklahoma offers rebates of $100 to $600, depending on the size and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of your high-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump. Larger systems and higher SEER ratings get bigger incentives and rebates. The guidelines restrict the incentive to a replacement system that uses the same (current) energy source for residential (single or multi-family) homes and small commercial buildings.  They also offer incentives of up to $1500 for an entire home performance upgrades which include duct sealing, insulation, radiant barriers, home envelope sealing, etc.Lennox, a manufacturer of heating and cooling equipment, indoor air quality products, and comfort controls, also offers savings on energy-efficient products. High-efficiency air-conditioning or heat-pump systems qualify for up to $1,400 when combined with a thermostat and indoor air quality system.High-efficiency air conditioners make energy savings possible for Oklahoma homeowners. While they often cost more up-front, incentives make them more affordable. High-efficiency systems are rated SEER 16 to 23 and have a low lifetime cost. Lifetime cost takes into account the spending a system requires over the course of its life. This takes into account regular preventive maintenance costs, fuel costs, and repairs. With the energy savings that high-efficiency systems get, you get a relatively quick return on your investment and save on monthly utility bills long after you’ve paid for the system.Why not take advantage of combined rebates from every avenue possible, to drive down the cost and make your new system replacement happen? The experts at Air Assurance can assess your home’s needs, assist you in selecting an A/C, and help you take advantage of manufacturer and utility company incentives to get you the maximum savings possible. Call us today.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.