Are you retrofitting your home with geothermal heating and cooling? If so, you’re set to benefit from the free, renewable energy that geothermal systems source from under the ground.
To make the most out of your investment, however, you’ll need to consider the three factors outlined below. Because geothermal systems function in ways that are significantly different from the standard furnaces and air conditioners employed in many of the homes along the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts, it’s imperative that you ensure a proper retrofit.
Space requirements
The type of geothermal system you can employ is largely dictated by land availability. If your yard's small, or you have old trees or other landscaping you want to preserve, choose a vertical loop installation, which involves boring deep holes to accommodate the piping to transfer heat. However, this option is generally the most costly. A horizontal installation requires less digging and is less costly, but you’ll need a larger amount of land to accommodate it.
Utilities
Your geothermal contractor will assess the home’s utilities, outlining where electricity lines run and plumbing pipes extend from the city’s main pipes into your home. The position of utilities may interfere with the lowest-cost installation option; however, it’s essential that you avoid compromising utilities, rerouting the geothermal system if needed.
Existing electrical power and ductwork
Standard furnaces and air conditioners require differing electrical power loads and airflow needs. Your contractor will assess them, and make adjustments as necessary. For instance, furnaces generally raise the temperature by 70 to 85 degrees to achieve a lower airflow and reduce ductwork costs. Geothermal systems don’t require as high a temperature rise—raising the temperature by 50 to 60 degrees—but they need larger ductwork to accommodate their higher volume of airflow. Any adjustments should be assessed prior to digging and purchasing the system, taking into account the costs to retrofit ducts and electrical components.
Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides HVAC services to the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. Give us a call to discuss the possibility of retrofitting your home with geothermal, or visit our website for more information.
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