FAQ’s - Geothermal Heating & Cooling

How efficient is a GSHP?
Ground Source Heat Pumps are one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available today. Heating efficiencies average 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies average 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners, thus creating savings for you on your utility bills.

How does a GSHP system heat water for my home?
GSHPs turn wasted heat to the task of heating hot water. During the summer your hot water is produced free as a byproduct of the thermal process. In winter, a unit called a desuperheater heats a portion of your hot water. Desuperheaters are standard on some units and optional on others. Stand-alone systems that will heat water all year around can be purchased.

How much space does a GSHP unit require?
Most of a GSHP installation is hidden underground. Inside the house, the heat pump units are about the same size as a traditional heating and cooling unit.

How long will my GSHP system last?
GSHPs are durable and highly reliable. The GSHP contains fewer mechanical components, and all components are either buried in the ground or located inside the home, which protects them from outside conditions. The underground pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty.

Can I install a ground source heat exchanger myself?
It's not recommended. Thermal fusion of the pipe, drilling and trenching are procedures best handled by professionals. Nonprofessional installations may result in less than optimum performance, which could cancel out anticipated savings.

What are the benefits of installing a Ground Source Heat Pump?
· Can be installed as a combination heating/cooling and hot water heating system.
· Can save you on your water-heating bill by preheating tank water.
· Made of mechanical components that are either buried in the ground or located inside the home.
· Same size as a traditional heating/cooling unit.
· Pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty.
· Can reduce energy consumption by 20 to 50% and reduce maintenance costs.
· Keeps the air warmer in the winter and at a more consistent temperature throughout the home, eliminating the hot and cold spots common with other systems.
· No noisy outside condenser units.
· No exposed equipment outdoors
· Children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units.
· No open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.

What kind of savings do GSHPs offer?
· One of the most efficient residential/commercial heating and cooling systems available today.
· Heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners.
· Save money in operating and maintenance costs.
· Investments regained in only a few years.
· Positive cash flow; energy savings usually exceeds the cost of the system.
· Some utilities offer rebates or incentives to their customers who purchase GSHPs. Central Hudson offers a $1,000.00 rebate.

What are some environmental benefits of GSHPs?
· Preserves natural resources by providing climate control efficiently, thus lowering emissions.
· Helps to minimize ozone layer destruction by using factory-sealed refrigeration systems, which will seldom or never have to be recharged.
· Uses underground loops to transfer heat, with no external venting (zero emissions) thus reducing air pollution.

How will I save money with a GSHP?
GSHPs save money, both in operating costs and maintenance costs. Investments can be regained in a short period of time. Since the energy savings usually exceeds payment on the system, there is a positive cash flow.

How do GSHPs help to protect our environment?
Currently installed systems are making a significant difference in our environment! GSHP systems not only help preserve the earths’ natural resources by providing climate control very efficiently (zero emissions)-thus also lowering the earths’ overall emissions, but also minimize ozone layer destruction by using factory-sealed refrigeration systems, which will seldom or never have to be recharged. More than three million tons of carbon dioxide is being eliminated by these systems that conserve energy and rather than burning something to create heat, they help reduce the amount of toxic emissions in the atmosphere. They use renewable energy from the sun. The system does not rely on outside air, keeping the air inside of buildings cleaner and free from pollens, outdoor pollutants, mold spores, and other allergens.