Is a Geothermal Heat Pump Worth It? My Net Zero Home
Undecided with Matt Ferrell・2 minutes read
Geothermal systems provide efficient heating and cooling by exchanging heat from deep underground, ideal for net zero energy goals, despite the high upfront costs. Comparisons with air-source systems show geothermal as more expensive but cost-effective over time, with potential savings of $1,000 annually and reaching price parity in 14 to 15 years.
Insights
- Geothermal systems provide consistent, efficient heating and cooling by exchanging heat from deep underground, making them ideal for achieving net zero energy goals and long-term efficiency in homes.
- While geothermal systems come with a higher upfront cost compared to air-source systems, they offer significant long-term savings and efficiency, potentially reaching price parity in 14 to 15 years, especially with horizontal loop setups. The system's longevity, reduced electricity costs through hot water generation, and overall alignment with efficiency goals make it a valuable investment for homeowners.
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Recent questions
What are the benefits of geothermal systems?
Efficient heating, cooling, net zero energy, long-term savings.
How do geothermal systems work?
Exchange heat from deep underground for consistent temperatures.
What factors affect the cost of geothermal systems?
Well drilling options, labor, ductwork, system components.
How does a geothermal system compare to traditional HVAC systems?
More expensive but efficient, long-term cost savings.
Are geothermal systems a worthwhile investment for homeowners?
Depends on goals, efficiency needs, long-term benefits.
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Summary
00:00
Geothermal Systems: Efficient, Costly, Worthwhile Investment
- Heat pumps are efficient for heating and cooling homes, with geothermal being more effective than air source but costlier upfront.
- Geothermal systems exchange heat from deep underground, providing consistent temperatures for efficient heating and cooling.
- Geothermal systems are ideal for achieving net zero energy goals and long-term efficiency in homes.
- Drilling a geothermal well can be costly, with options like vertical wells or horizontal loops affecting the price.
- The WaterFurnace Series 7 geothermal system with a desuperheater provides efficient heating and cooling, along with hot water at no extra cost.
- The Span Panel can help manage high energy draw appliances in homes, offering control and visibility over energy usage.
- The costs for the geothermal system, including the desuperheater and venting, totaled $59,450, while the ERV, dehumidifier, and ductwork cost $21,000, resulting in a total of $99,000.
- The high cost of the geothermal system includes labor, ductwork, and the vertical well, making it a significant investment for a new home.
- Comparisons were made with air-source ductless mini-split heat pumps and traditional central air source heat pump systems, with geothermal being a more expensive but efficient choice.
- Consideration of goals, efficiency, and long-term benefits are crucial in determining if the cost of a geothermal system is worth it for a specific home.
11:37
Geothermal System: Efficient, Cost-Effective, Long-Lasting
- The geothermal system, including the WaterFurnance system and well drilling, cost $78,000, $40,000 more than an airsource system. However, a 30% clean energy Federal tax credit reduced the out-of-pocket cost to $54,600, making the premium for the geothermal system $16,600.
- The geothermal system is significantly more efficient than a central air-to-air system, potentially saving roughly $1,000 annually. Over a 25-year span, the geothermal system proves to be more cost-effective, reaching price parity in 14 to 15 years, or even 7 to 8 years with a horizontal loop setup.
- The geothermal system offers longevity, with the well lasting over 50 years and mechanicals inside the house lasting 20 to 25 years. The system also generates hot water, reducing electricity costs significantly. The overall value of the system aligns with the homeowner's efficiency goals, although long-term performance remains to be seen.
