What are Geothermal Systems?
If you are familiar with heat pumps, a geothermal systems work in a similar way inside the home. The biggest difference is that geothermal relies on circulated water many feet underground, while a heat pump relies on outside air.
Regardless of whether it is summer or winter in Kennewick, the temperature stays relatively constant underground. A geothermal system harnesses the constant temperature underground to heat or cool a home efficiently.
100% Renewable Energy
According to The U.S. Department of Energy, 48 percent of total annual energy costs in the home are from a heating and cooling system. Imagine removing 48% of energy costs each year for the next 30+ years!
Geothermal systems are one of the few options available to Washington homeowners that utilize 100% renewable energy. This is both good for the environment and your wallet, although the economic payoff takes much longer, typically 5 – 15 years. Due to environmental benefits, geothermal is often incentivized at the state and local level with tax credits. Up to $1500 can be saved after installing a new heat pump system in 2017 for Benton County residents.
The Cost of Installation
Much of the cost of a new heating or cooling system is due to efficiency. The more efficient a system, the higher the cost due to its complexity and components. A geothermal system has the highest installation cost both due to equipment and the intensive labor required. A heat exchanger is required to be installed far below ground. As a result of the high price tag, it isn’t the most widely used method to heat or cool a home in the United States.
With high-end components, geothermal systems tend to have the most comprehensive warranties from manufacturers. This protects a system from part costs and labor, which will be less frequent compared to a traditional HVAC system.
Geothermal Installation & Service
Chinook Heating and Air is one of the few contractors in the Tri-Cities to install new Geothermal systems from American Standard. As a Customer Care Dealer, we install packaged, water to water and split geothermal systems from American Standard. In the Tri-Cities, geothermal units are more common for those that have a few acres of land and need an efficient source of heating and cooling their home.
Consider Geothermal If:
- Your property has access to a nearby body of water, such as a lake, small pond or even the Columbia River
- Your property has a minimum of 2 acres of land
- Your property has limited access to utilities
- You care about the environment and have a desire to reduce recurring utility bills
- You anticipate living in your home for at least 5 years
- You are building a new home and haven’t selecting a heating or cooling system
- Your home’s existing heating and/or cooling systems are due for replacement
We have years of experience installing geothermal systems. Call today and talk to a professional.