The approach of fall signals a good time to start thinking about heating your home during the colder winter months. According to the Department of Energy, the regular family in the United States spends about $1,900 a year on utility bills. Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. The key to saving energy and money is to investigate energy efficient improvements for your home.
A Bucks County, Pennsylvania
geothermal home comfort system taps into the abundant source of free solar heat energy stored in the earth. It uses a series of pipes (an earth loop) buried in the ground to move that heat into a home during the winter. According to the professionals at WaterFurnace, most systems are easy to install in both new and retrofit situations. In addition to the ground loop (either horizontal or vertical), the system also requires ductwork to distribute conditioned air through the Bucks County, Pennsylvania home or business.
Although the initial investment in a geothermal system may be more than the investment in a standard system, the long-term return on that investment pays off. The energy source is both free and renewable, and the average system lifespan exceeds 24 years—compared to 15 years for a regular system.
In many cases, the monthly savings that an energy-efficient geothermal system offers will surpass any payments related to the installation of the new system. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regards geothermal systems as one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available.
Installation of a geothermal system begins with a visit from your Bucks County, Pennsylvania geothermal dealer. The dealer will measure your house, compute your heating and cooling needs and evaluate your property to determine the best location for your loop system. If you own a house that does not have an existing duct system, your geothermal dealer can easily retrofit your home to include one.
Once installed, a geothermal system requires less maintenance than an original heating and cooling system and functions more efficiently, delivering an amazing five units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. That translates to a 500 percent efficiency rating and savings up to 70 percent for heating, cooling and hot water costs.
Another plus -- geothermal systems use no fossil fuel and give off no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases. Homeowners experience added comfort, improved indoor air quality and less noise as they reduce their carbon footprint.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania homeowners who install a geothermal system before Dec. 31, 2016, can take advantage of a federal renewable energy tax credit of 30 percent of the total investment for the system. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this tax incentive is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009. Homeowners may also take advantage of utility rebates and state tax incentives where available to make geothermal systems more affordable than ever.