Cincinnati, OH Geothermal Installation
Technology is rapidly progressing all around us, effectively changing our lives. Landlines turned into smartphones, and diesel engines have been swapped for batteries. How your home heats and cools itself is no different, as many advancements in the field have taken place. Geothermal HVAC systems are quickly growing in popularity among homeowners, and for a good reason. The earth continually absorbs heat from the sun and stores it beneath the surface. Ground-source energy can be used for domestic heating applications and for providing hot water. The expert geothermal installers at Rusk Heating and Cooling in Cincinnati, OH, are NATE-certified and always go the extra mile to provide meticulous service on every job. Continue reading to learn about how geothermal systems operate and how they can save your family a lot of money in the long run.
Services In CincinattiHow Does Geothermal Heating Work?
Temperatures under the frost line consistently range between 45-75°F. A geothermal heating system is a unique HVAC system that uses energy stored underground to heat and cool a home. It moves the heat from the earth into the house during winter and pushes warm air from the home into the ground for cooling during summer.
Closed-loop Geothermal Heating
A popular geothermal heating system is a closed-loop. A closed-loop geothermal heating system circulates water or antifreeze through plastic or copper pipes buried in the earth or submerged in water.
There are two basic types of closed-loop geothermal heating systems used in Cincinnati, OH:
- Horizontal ground loop systems are installed where a large enough ground area is available to dig 6 – 10-feet deep trenches for hundreds of feet.
- Vertical ground loop geothermal systems are installed in 200 – 500-feet deep boreholes, each about 7 inches in diameter. Holes are positioned about 20 feet apart to provide ample airflow for the square footage.
The piping is connected to an indoor heat pump that passes the liquid through heat exchanger coils. Then, a fan blows the heated air into the cutting system to deliver heat throughout the structure.
The cooled liquid then travels back into the piping system, returning the heat transfer liquid underground to be heated again. The process is repeated at variable rates during system operation to ensure the desired indoor temperature.
Open-loop Geothermal Heating
Open-loop geothermal heating systems utilize clean proximal groundwater as a heat source. The water is injected into the geothermal heat pump and then expelled back into its source or another drainage well. Open-loop systems require little or no trenching or boring, which saves a lot of money on installation. However, this type of system is only possible when water quantity and quality are acceptable for the system’s needs.
Benefits of Geothermal Heating Systems
It should be no surprise that homeowners are switching to geothermal heating and cooling. There are a lot of benefits associated with geothermal heating and cooling systems, including:
- Savings up to 65% on annual energy costs relative to conventional HVAC systems
- Likewise, geothermal systems cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65%
- Significantly quieter operation than traditional HVAC systems
- Geothermal heat pumps last for 20 to 25 years
- Underground loops last for up to 50 years
- Requires surprisingly little maintenance
- It can be installed in small areas
And that’s not all. Geothermal installation with a desuperheater allows you to utilize the excess heat generated from the system to heat your water for bathing, washing clothes, and doing dishes.
And perhaps, most attractive of all, geothermal heating and cooling systems do not use explosive gas or electrifying current to operate, meaning they keep your family safer while saving you money and maintaining comfort in your beautiful Cincinnati, Ohio home.
How Long Do Geothermal Systems Last?
As mentioned above, a new geothermal heating and cooling system can last up to 25 years, and the underground loops of piping are suitable for up to 60 years. That is a remarkable difference compared to conventional HVAC systems that typically only last 10 to 15 years. Again, this justifies the higher initial cost of a geothermal system. You’ll save money on energy, repairs, and replacements for decades!
Geothermal HeatingWhere Can Geothermal Units Be Installed?
Geothermal heating systems can be custom designed to work in all climate conditions and soil types. However, there are some general property requirements to consider.
- On average, horizontal closed-loop systems require about half an acre to produce geothermal heat. Vertical closed-loop systems can be installed via 3 to 5 boreholes about 15 feet apart.
- Open-loop geothermal systems require a private, clean water source that should be at least 8 feet deep and of sufficient size, typically about ½-acre across.
Contact Rusk for Geothermal Installation in Cincinnati, OH
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Rusk Heating and Cooling in Cincinnati, Ohio, are experts at geothermal system installation. We are a fourth-generation family-owned company serving our wonderful customers since 1865. That’s more than 150 years of service!
Contact us online today to get started. We are here with the expertise, resources, and dedication to providing top-of-the-line products and services for all our friends and neighbors in Greater Cincinnati, OH.