Question 1

How Geothermal Works

Accepted Answer

No matter the temperatures outside, whether cold or heat, 5 feet down the ground is Indiana is a consisten 54-55 degrees all year round. A geothermal system, which typically consists of an indoor unit and a buried earth loop, capitalizes on these constant temperatures to provide "free" thermal energy. In winter, fluid circulating through the system's earth loop absorbs stored heat and carries it indoors. The goethermal unit compresses the heat to a higher temperature and distributes it throughout the home. In summer, the systm reverses, pulling heat from the home, carrying it through the earth loop and depositing it in the cooler earth.

Question 2

Benefits of Geothermal

Accepted Answer

Emits no greenhouse gases
Earth loop antifreeze does not hurt the environment
Refrigerants do not hearm earth's ozone layer
Eco-friendly operations
Healthy air and safety
Constant supply of hot water
Lower energy bills
Combined with solar, geothermal is NET ZERO carbon foot print

Question 3

Is Geothermal Affordable

Accepted Answer

Yes! There are many incentives for geothermal making it affordable. The most notable is the energy savings. In an existing home your payback is 3-4 years. In new construction your payback starts on day one. The dollar amount added to your construction loan for geothermal is less that the energy savings the day you move in!

Question 4

Does a geothermal unit help with hot water?

Accepted Answer

A geothermal system, particularly one with a desuperheater, can significantly reduce your hot water heating costs

Here's how it works and the potential savings

• Utilizing "Waste Heat": Geothermal systems heat and cool your home by moving heat to and from the earth. A desuperheater captures the excess heat generated during this process, especially during the cooling cycle in summer, and diverts it to your water heater to preheat the water.

• Reduced Water Heater Workload: This effectively lessens the demand on your traditional water heater (whether electric or gas), which then only needs to add a small amount of heat to reach the desired temperature.

• Significant  Savings:
    • Summer: The heat removed from your home during cooling would otherwise be expelled into the environment. A desuperheater redirects this "waste heat" to your water heater, making hot water essentially free during these months. The only cost is the minor energy required to run the circulating pump.
    • Winter: Even in winter, when the geothermal system is extracting heat from the ground to warm your home, the desuperheater still contributes to preheating the water, leading to substantial savings, possibly up to 75% compared to conventional methods.

• Overall: By capturing and utilizing this excess heat, geothermal systems can potentially provide a large portion (up to 50% or more) of your home's total hot water needs, significantly cutting down on energy consumption and operating expenses. This contributes to the overall lower operating costs associated with geothermal systems, which can be up to 65% more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems.

In essence, a geothermal unit with a desuperheater allows you to essentially get "free" or very low-cost hot water by leveraging the natural process of your home's heating and cooling, leading to considerable savings on your energy bills.

Question 5

How much land do I need for a geothermal loop?

Accepted Answer

You can put a geothermal system in any size home or size lot. The decision is mainly about cost. A horizontal loop is the most cost effective loop to install but does take more yard space. A vertical loop can be put in the smallest of yards, but can add $3000 - $4000 to the cost for the drilling. The best way to make this decision is to have someone come to your home and walk you through your choices.

Question 6

Are they quiet?

Accepted Answer

YES! Not only is it a very quiet system, with no outdoor unit there is no longer the noise outside nor the wear and tear from the weather.

Question 7

Do I need a humidifier?

Accepted Answer

Every house is different. The geothermal system does not change the need for one. It's really about your comfort and your choice.

Question 8

What kind of filter do they use?

Accepted Answer

Geothermal systems use a filter like any other system. They come in various sizes and styles. Indiana Geothermal stocks ClimateMaster filters.

Homeowners

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Homeowners

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any questions