Northeast Ohio homeowners on average spend more annually on energy than any other expense, and about half of that energy bill goes directly to heating and cooling their homes. With heating and cooling demanding such a great investment, it makes sense that many homeowners continue to seek out everything from tips to improving energy efficiency to options for the most energy efficient heating and cooling system.
The trend toward geothermal systems
Geothermal systems have evolved into a great option for homeowners and businesses looking for maximum energy efficiency from their HVAC. For heating and cooling, geothermal energy is more efficient than any other system, cutting energy bills by as much as 70% for most users.
Clayton Heating is pleased to contribute to this growing trend that saves money and protects the environment.
Geothermal systems are heat pumps that use the nearly constant temperature deep in the ground to both heat and cool air. Pipes installed at a depth where the ground temperature is between 45 and 60 degrees year round circulate water or refrigerant, picking up or releasing heat as necessary to keep your home at a comfortable temperature regardless of the temperature outside. Because energy isn’t needed to heat or cool the air, the system needs electricity only to run the pump that circulates the water through the pipes.
A big savings for users
Statistics show that geothermal systems are 50 to 70 percent more efficient over other heating systems, and up to 40 percent more efficient than the average air conditioning system. Because geothermal systems capture or release heat that already exists, they actually produce more energy than they use.
The result is an environmentally friendly HVAC system that will dramatically reduce the cost of heating and cooling any home or business. Homeowners report that while the investment to install a geothermal system is greater than a traditional HVAC system, the investment is often recouped in five years or less.
Beat the heat and plan for cooler temps
Whatever system you are currently using to heat and cool your home, take steps now to keep cool and be ready for the winter.
- Check that wall and floor vents are not blocked by furniture or debris and vacuum out dirt that has collected in them.
- Don’t close vents in rooms you do not use. Instead, consider a zone heating system and programmable thermostat to control the temperature in all parts of your home.
- Check that insulation is intact on your duct work in attics and crawl spaces where temperatures are more erratic.
- During these hot months, be sure the AC condenser unit is free of debris and trim shrubs growing around it. You may also consider adding a canopy to provide shade over the unit.
- Be sure the AC drain lines are not buried in mulch or dirt.
Talk to the experts at Clayton Heating for more tips on getting the most from your HVAC and ask us about installing a geothermal system in your home. We are please to provide this highly efficient and green option for keeping your home or business comfortable any time of the year.