In rural areas, homeowners often rely on propane or oil furnaces to heat their homes. But many are now choosing to replace their old heating systems with a more energy-efficient option: the geothermal heat pump system. If you’re thinking about making a propane furnace replacement or oil furnace replacement, here’s why upgrading to a geothermal heat pump system might be the best choice for your home.
What is a Geothermal Heat Pump System?
A geothermal heat pump is a system that uses the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home. It works by circulating a fluid through pipes buried underground. The earth stays at a relatively stable temperature throughout the year, so the heat pump can transfer heat from the ground into your home in winter and take heat out in the summer, providing year-round comfort.
To learn more about geothermal heat pumps, click this link: https://aces-energy.com/geo
Why Are People Switching to Geothermal Heat Pump Systems?
- Lower Energy Bills
The biggest reason homeowners are opting for a geothermal heat pump system is the significant savings on energy bills. Unlike propane furnaces or oil furnaces, which require a lot of fuel, geothermal systems are highly efficient. For every unit of energy the system uses, it can deliver 3 to 4 units of heating or cooling. This efficiency leads to lower monthly energy costs.
With a traditional fossil fuel furnace where you burn energy, your system’s efficiency rating (e.g., 80%) determines what percentage of the fuel is being used and what percentage is being burned off in the form of emissions. With an 80% efficient furnace, you are using 80% of the fuels energy to heat your home, while you lose 20% during combustion. This results in 20% of the fuel becoming emissions burned inside of the home.
With a geothermal heat pump, you are getting 3-4 more units of heating and cooling power than what you pay the utility for. That is because for every 1 unit of electricity used to start your geothermal system, 3-4 units of heating or cooling power are being used from your underground loopfield.
To view New York State propane prices, click this link: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Energy-Prices/Propane/Average-Propane-Prices
- Environmentally Friendly
A geothermal heat pump is much more eco-friendly than traditional heating systems. Since it uses renewable energy from the ground, and does not burn any fuel on site, there are no emissions produced within the home.
- Geothermal Incentives and Tax Credits
Switching to a geothermal system isn’t just a smart decision for your home – it’s also a financially smart choice. Many states and local governments offer geothermal incentives to help lower the upfront cost of installation. Plus, there are geothermal tax credits available at the federal level, which can make the transition even more affordable. These credits are a great way to save money while making an upgrade that will pay off in the long run.
In New York State you can benefit from over 55% off your total installation cost with available rebates and incentives. To learn more about the incentives available, read out blog here: https://aces-energy.com/2024/06/20/geothermal-system-installation-cost/
- Better for Rural Areas
In rural areas, propane and oil can be expensive, and delivery of these fuels can be unreliable. With a geothermal heat pump system, you no longer need to rely on fuel deliveries. The system runs on electricity, which is available anywhere, so you’ll have a more reliable and cost-effective heating solution.
Propane Furnace and Oil Furnace Replacements Are Easier Than Ever
If you have existing ductwork, a geothermal system in many cases can be easily installed in your home. In the below installation, an existing fuel oil furnace was removed from a basement. There were some modifications made to the ductwork that allowed the geothermal heat pump system to be placed in the same footprint.
(during deconstruction)
Conclusion
Switching to a geothermal heat pump system is a great way to improve the comfort of your home while saving money on energy bills and helping the environment. With geothermal incentives and tax credits available, it’s a more affordable option than ever before. If you’re thinking about an oil furnace replacement or propane furnace replacement, consider going green and making the switch to a geothermal system. It might just be the best furnace replacement you’ve ever made!
COMMENTS