If you’ve been looking for heating and cooling options, you’re no stranger to technical articles and a lot of information about efficiency, energy costs, and maintenance. We decided to cut out all of the technical talk and go straight to the source for answers to our geothermal system questions. We sat down with Jeff Chapman to get a better idea of what Geothermal systems do and how to decide if this system is the right fit. Jeff walked us through the benefits of a geothermal heat pump system and how they work to heat and cool the home. Starting with the basics, we asked Jeff to explain to us what a geothermal system is.
Benefits
So we know how it works, but there are still a few questions regarding why a geothermal is a good option and the advantages to one of these systems. We asked Jeff to elaborate on the benefits and why someone would want one of these systems.
Cooling
A major concern is their performance in the summer. When the weather heats up, people need to be able to rely on their air conditioning to keep them cool all summer long. Sometimes referred to as ‘geothermal pumps’ as well as geothermal units, these systems are good for both heating and cooling. We asked Jeff to talk about geothermal as a cooling system and what people can expect in the warmer months.
Since efficiency is one of the biggest benefit to owning one of these systems, we wanted to know more specifically about how efficient these really are and how much is typically saved from switching. Typically, efficiency savings are significant with up to 60% energy saving versus traditional systems.
Incentives
There is no flame, no flue and no loud outdoor noise. Geothermal systems are great alternatives to traditional systems for your home and the environment. Thanks to their low-impact, installing a geothermal unit comes with a tax incentive. We asked Jeff what else we needed to know about geothermal systems and why he would recommend one to homeowners considering their heating and cooling options.
Using ground temperature offers a great alternative to high environmental impact systems. Geothermal is recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as the most environmentally safe, cost effective heating and cooling system on the market. To put things in perspective, installing a geothermal system is environment impact equivalent to planting 750 trees.
The tax incentive Jeff mentioned is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act under The Residential Energy Efficient Property Tax Credit. This federal residential energy credit helps homeowners pay for alternative energy equipment, like geothermal heat pumps.
Learn more about your environmentally safe options from one of our trained service technicians and consider a geothermal heat pump for your own home. Call 317-291-4909 or schedule an appointment online to start the conversation.
Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, your source for heating and air conditioning installation
Mike Puckett is one of a kind at Chapman Heating and Air. His passion for teaching, knowledge of the HVAC industry and philanthropic efforts make him the perfect fit for the Technician Trainer and Talent Acquisition role at Chapman. The first and only person to hold this title at Chapman, Mike has spent his career learning the HVAC industry and is passionate about passing down his knowledge.
I started teaching in 2013, but I have been in the profession for a long time. I like teaching people something new and showing them what type of career they can have in this industry.
As for his responsibilities and daily duties, we asked Mike what a typical day is like as a trainer.
On a typical day, I have around 7 students. I teach each morning from 7 , 10, then work on building the training program itself. I enjoy building the HVAC vocational curriculum, I get to go out to vocational schools and training facilities to teach and recruit.
Mike joined Chapman in May of 2016. Before joining the Chapman team, he spent years training at other reputable training facilities.
I’ve known Jeff for a number of years, every time we talked, he had a lot of interest in training and developing future HVAC technicians. When I found out the position was open, I took it.
A lot of people want trained technicians, but don’t want to spend the money to invest in them. It’s rare to find people willing to support training, and that’s what I found at Chapman.
We asked Mike what he typically looks for in a potential Chapman employee. He said the qualities that stand out the most are ambition and interest in the trade.
I’m nearing the end of my career and it really feels nice to give back and teach the younger guys. The goal is to teach them everything we know, then they can take over for us when it’s time to retire.
We learned a lot about what Mike does at Chapman, but we wanted to know more about him outside of work. We learned Mike has a big interest in human service topics. For the last 6 years, Mike has been volunteering his time to a recovery group to help those struggling with substance abuse.
When he isn’t at work or volunteering in the community, Mike enjoys playing the guitar.
I’ve been playing for about a year and a half. I started trying to play about 8 years ago, but the past year and a half I’ve gotten more into it. I mostly like to play older folk-rock and contemporary Christian music.
Want to work with Mike and the Chapman team? Now is your chance! We are hiring experienced HVAC technicians to join the Chapman family. Voted a 2016 Top Work Place, we take pride in our staff, quality service and investment in quality employees. Head over to our careers page and fill out an application.
Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team Apply Today!
Geothermal systems use the natural insulating properties of the earth to keep temperatures inside the home consistent. When seasons change, the temperature outside naturally changes but temperatures underground remain consistent. More and more people are switching to geothermal options for heating and cooling their homes.
Geothermal provides many comfort and design benefits as well as being a renewable resource, drawing its energy from the heat of the Earth. By using the naturally insulted earth, these systems will collect, concentrate and deliver energy without producing more heat. Geothermal is regarded as one of the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems by the Environmental Protection Agency. As technology improves, the overall advantages reduce costs, enhance overall comfort and reduce environmental impact.
Reduce Costs
Heat pumps operate at about 60% higher efficiency than standard heating and cooling systems. These highly efficient units deliver 5 times the units of energy as compared to traditional systems. Across heating, cooling and hot water expenses, geothermal systems have the potential to save owners up to 70% in costs.
Enhance Overall Comfort
Another huge benefit of geo heat pumps is the added overall comfort of your home. These systems are more precise than other traditional heating systems in distributing heat and cold throughout the home. Warm air is distributed evenly, with no bursts of hot air and uncomfortable cool down periods. Not only do geothermal systems supply consistent cool air as well, due to the design and functionality of these units, the cool air is dehumidified.
Traditional air conditioners often make a lot of noise which can disrupt time spent outside. Loud air conditioning units can disrupt neighbors as well. Owners of a geothermal unit will not notice noise from an operational heat pump system. These units are designed for optimally quiet operation.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Probably the biggest advantage of geothermal to not only owners but the Earth as a whole is their little to non-existent impact on the environment. As an environmentally safe system, geothermal heat pumps do not emit any carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and a list of other harmful air pollutants. By harnessing the Earth’s heat, these systems use the renewable resource of geothermal energy as power instead of traditional resources.
These are not the only benefits of owning a geothermal heat pump system. These systems are known to have a longer life expectancy than other systems and require less general maintenance. Another positive aspect of owning a heat pump is the tax incentive. The United States Internal Revenue Service offers a one-time tax credit of 30% to those that purchase a geothermal heat pump system. Learn more about that credit on the IRS website.
As technology continues to change and become more sophisticated, it is clear that environmentally safe alternatives are among the best options out there for heating and cooling. A small carbon footprint and no dependency on non-renewable resources make these systems the ideal choice for the future.
When you are ready to make the switch to a more efficient, environmentally -friendly and comfortable heating and cooling system for your home, call the man for all seasons, Chapman. Our highly trained team can walk you through all of the additional benefits of these units and answer any and all of your questions.
Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, carries a full line of high efficiency furnaces. Contact us to recommend the best services for your home
With a geothermal heating and cooling system, you use the Earth’s natural heat to warm and cool your property. These types of systems offer many benefits, but some might be hesitant to install one because they believe it will cause damage to their yards and prevent them from keeping a thriving garden.
This blog dives into what geothermal heat pumps are, the benefits of using them, and dissects the question, “Can I have a garden and geothermal heat pump, too?”
What Is a Geothermal Heat Pump?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems tap into the constant temperature of the Earth just below the surface, which remains relatively consistent throughout the year. They are made up of three main components:
- A loop of pipes buried in the ground
- A heat pump
- A duct system
During the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the ground through the loop of pipes and compresses it to a higher temperature. Then, the warm air is distributed throughout your home via the duct system. During the summer, the process is reversed, and the heat pump takes the heat from your home and transfers it back to the ground, effectively cooling your home.
Types of Geothermal Heat Pumps
The most common types of geothermal heat pumps are closed-loop systems shown. However, it is possible to use an open-loop system that circulates surface water or water from a well through the system and returns it to the ground through a discharge pipe.
Horizontal Loop
This type of system is popular for residential, especially for new construction where an adequate amount of land is available. It requires digging trenches that are at least four feet deep. A 2,000-sq.-ft. house requires 400 ft. of two-foot-wide trenches.
Vertical Loop
For larger commercial properties, vertical systems are often the more appropriate choice because the land area required for horizontal loops would be restrictive. It’s also best to use vertical loops where the soil is too shallow for trenching.
Pond/Lake
Another option for a closed-loop system is possible if there is an adequate body of water nearby. This system draws heat from water rather than from the soil. This can be one of the most cost-effective options available.
Choosing the right type of heat pump for you depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Climate
- Soil conditions
- Available land
- Heating and cooling needs
- Installation costs at the site
Working with a knowledgeable HVAC technician can help you determine the right system for you.
What Are the Benefits of a Geothermal Heat Pump?
There are several choices for homeowners when it comes to heating and cooling their homes, and geothermal heat pumps offer some unique benefits:
- Low Operation Cost: Geothermal heat pumps use 25 to 50 percent less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Geothermal systems can heat and cool a 2,000-square-foot home for as little as $1 per day
- Environmentally-Friendly: These systems run on clean, renewable energy with no onsite combustion. They can reduce energy consumption and corresponding emissions by up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps.
- Design Flexibility: You can use geothermal heating and cooling systems in new constructions as well as existing properties.
- Low Operation Noise: With no outdoor compressor or fan, you will not be bothered by a noisy machine.
- Long System Lifespan: The indoor components of a geothermal heating and cooling system typically last about 25 years, and you can expect that ground loop to last more than 50 years. This is significantly longer than the 15 years or less associated with a furnace or conventional AC unit.
Can I Have a Garden and a Geothermal Heat Pump?
Many homeowners love the opportunity to grow and maintain their own garden. Whether it’s a passion project or a more serious endeavor, everyone should have the chance to use their lawn to grow food and herbs if they want to.
Even so, wanting a garden shouldn’t prevent anyone from also experiencing the benefits of geothermal heat pumps. Many homeowners often raise concerns about what will happen to their yards, but it’s a misconception that a garden and a ground source heat pump can’t exist side by side.
However, it does require some planning. Depending on the type of loop you install, you will have to dig up a portion of your yard. Whoever installs the geothermal heat pump should work with you to select a path that will cause the least disruption to your garden.
What Can I Plant After Installing a Geothermal Heat Pump?
As you plan your landscaping and garden after the ground heat pump is installed, you have a few options to consider:
- Grass is often the easiest thing to plant. Whether you lay down sod, or simply reseed the area, the loop underneath will not affect the growth of the lawn. Once the grass comes in, you can mow this area just as you would any other part of your lawn.
- Wildflowers are a more decorative option to plant. The climate in Indianapolis gives you a wide range of choices. With some blooming in early spring and other varieties appearing late in the summer or even early fall, you will have color in your garden almost half the year.
- Smaller ornamental grasses or non-woody perennials are another smart choice because of their shallow root systems, which will not interfere with the functioning of your geothermal loop.
Remember, you’ll want to take into consideration a plant’s ability to handle slight temperature changes before planting it. When a geothermal heat pump is working correctly, it uses the water at the end of the loop to heat or cool the refrigerant going through its lines. As the refrigerant moves through the loop, you may see slight changes in the soil temperature. Plants that will do well are those that adjust to a range of temperatures easily.
While small shrubs are fine, it would be best to avoid trees directly on top of or close to the loop. Trees send out roots to look for water, which is why you have probably seen tree roots disrupting a sidewalk or creating hills and ridges in the yard.
Professional Geothermal Heat Pump Services in Indianapolis and the Surrounding Area
At the end of the day, never let a desire for a beautifully landscaped yard and garden stand in the way of installing a geothermal heating and cooling system at your house. Contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for all your geothermal heating and cooling inquiries and needs today.
