Geothermal Heating and Cooling, and its Pros and Cons
August 20, 2024
As we continuously seek energy-efficient and environmentally friendly options, geothermal heating and cooling systems are becoming more popular. These types of systems use the Earth's natural heat to regulate indoor temperatures, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional HVAC methods. But before you make the switch, it’s essential to understand both the advantages and potential drawbacks of geothermal technology. Here’s a comprehensive look at geothermal heating and cooling, and its pros and cons.
What is Geothermal Heating and Cooling?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems use geothermal energy, or the Earth's stable underground temperature, to heat and cool your home. A geothermal heat pump circulates a fluid through underground pipes, absorbing heat from the ground. This process transfers heat to or from your home, depending on the season. During winter, the system extracts heat from the ground and transfers it inside. In summer, it reverses the process, removing heat from the home and transferring it to the ground.
Pros of Geothermal Heating and Cooling
- Energy Efficiency: Geothermal systems are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions available. They can achieve efficiencies of 400% or more, meaning for every unit of electricity used, they produce four units of heating or cooling.
- Environmentally Friendly: By using the Earth's natural heat, geothermal systems significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based systems. They also have a lower carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
- Big Savings: Although the initial installation cost is higher, geothermal systems can help save you money over time. Lower operating costs and energy bills usually offset the upfront investment.
- Longevity and Low Maintenance: Geothermal heat pumps are known for their durability and long lifespan, often lasting 20-25 years for the indoor components and over 50 years for the ground loops. They require less maintenance than conventional HVAC systems since there are fewer moving parts, and no outdoor units exposed to the elements.
- Consistent Comfort: Geothermal systems provide consistent and even heating and cooling, reducing temperature fluctuations and improving overall comfort.
Cons of Geothermal Heating and Cooling
- High Initial Cost: The biggest downside of geothermal systems is the high installation cost. The high price tag is due to the installation process requiring drilling in the ground and installing ground loops, which must be custom fit to each home. However, this cost is typically recovered over time through energy savings.
- Installation Process: Installing a geothermal system requires a lot of space for the ground loops, digging or drilling. This can be difficult or impractical in certain locations, especially in urban areas with limited space.
- Limited Retrofit Opportunities: If your home isn’t already equipped for a geothermal system, retrofitting might be challenging or expensive. Retrofitting refers to changing from one heating system to another. It’s important to determine whether your home’s structure and location are suitable for this type of system.
- Geographical Limitations: The effectiveness of geothermal systems can vary based on geographic location and soil conditions. In regions with poor thermal conductivity or areas with rocky terrain, the efficiency of the system might be impacted.
- Possible Noise Concerns: While generally quiet, some geothermal systems can produce noise, particularly from the circulating pump or compressor. This is usually minimal but worth considering if noise is a concern for you.
Is Geothermal Heating and Cooling Right for You?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer many benefits, including energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and long-term cost savings. However, the high initial cost, installation complexity, and geographical limitations are factors to consider. If you’re committed to reducing your carbon footprint and investing in a system that provides consistent comfort, geothermal technology might be the perfect fit for your home.
Geothermal Energy in Lincoln, Nebraska
At Custom Cooling & Heating, we believe in the potential of geothermal energy as part of a sustainable future. Our experts are here to help you assess whether geothermal energy is the right solution for your heating and cooling needs in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about how geothermal energy can benefit your home or business.
Read our latest articles
As cold weather approaches in Nebraska, keeping your home warm without watching your energy bills skyrocket is a top priority. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we specialize in heating design, installation, maintenance, and repair services across Lincoln and surrounding communities. In this blog, we’ll walk through best practices to heat your home efficiently, lower energy costs, and prolong the life of your heating system. 1. Choose the Right Heating System for Your Home One of the biggest factors in efficiency is selecting the proper heating system based on your home’s size, insulation, ductwork, and climate. Whether you’re considering a high-efficiency furnace, a heat pump, or a hybrid system, proper sizing and design are crucial. Over‑sized systems may cycle on and off too frequently (wasting energy), while under‑sized systems may struggle to maintain comfort. 2. Perform Annual Maintenance & Tune‑Ups Even the best heating system loses efficiency if it isn’t maintained. For peak performance: Have your furnace or heat pump inspected and cleaned each year before peak use. Clean or replace air filters on schedule, every 1–3 months depending on model and usage. Order yours online through Custom Cooling & Heating here . Check for and seal duct leaks; leaky ducts waste heat by dumping warm air where it’s not needed. Make sure vents and registers are unobstructed by furniture, carpets, or drapes. Lubricate motors, tighten electrical connections, and confirm thermostat calibration. These steps ensure your system works less hard, reducing fuel or electricity use. 3. Optimize Thermostat Settings & Use Zoning Smart thermostat strategies can yield significant savings: Lower your thermostat when the home is unoccupied or overnight (e.g. 3–5° cooler). Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature changes. Consider zoning—divide your home into zones with separate thermostats, so you aren’t heating unused areas. Avoid frequently raising or lowering your thermostat drastically, as large swings force the system to work harder. Each degree you lower your thermostat can translate to noticeable savings over the heating season. 4. Improve Home Envelope & Insulation Your heating system’s effectiveness is only as good as your home’s ability to retain heat. A tight, well-insulated building envelope reduces heat losses and helps your system run less. Add or upgrade attic insulation. Seal gaps around windows, doors, and duct penetrations with caulk or weatherstripping. Use insulated curtains or window coverings. Insulate HVAC ductwork in unconditioned spaces (basements, attics). Consider adding storm doors/windows or better glazing in colder climates. Better insulation keeps the warmth in — resulting in lower heating demand. 5. Monitor Energy Usage & Take Advantage of Incentives Keep an eye on your monthly energy usage. If you notice spikes or trends upward, it may signal inefficiencies or failing components. Additionally: Check whether utility incentives, rebates, or tax credits are available when you replace a heating system with high-efficiency equipment. Many rebates apply for furnaces, heat pumps, or duct upgrades. Work with your HVAC contractor to ensure installations meet eligibility criteria. Smart upgrades now can pay off long term in lower bills and better system longevity. 6. Call on Professionals for Repairs & Upgrades If your heating system is underperforming—frequent cycling, uneven heating, loud noises, or rising bills—don’t wait until it fails. Call Custom Cooling & Heating for prompt repair or upgrade. Our licensed technicians offer residential heating repair, replacement, and preventive service across Lincoln and surrounding areas. We’re also BBB‑accredited with over 40 years in business. When you partner with experts, you ensure: Correct diagnosis of inefficiency sources Safe and optimized installation and repairs Long-term support and maintenance Heating Efficiently Isn’t Just About Comfort — It’s Smart Savings Heating your home efficiently in Nebraska’s colder months can make a big difference in your energy bills, system lifespan, and indoor comfort. By combining smart equipment choices, regular maintenance , good insulation, intelligent thermostat use, and professional services , you set yourself up for a warmer home and lower heating costs. If you’re ready to optimize your heating system or want an estimate on a new, efficient unit, contact us today. We’ll guide you through options tailored to your home, climate, and budget, so your heating bills stay in check all season long.
As winter approaches, making sure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is ready is essential. A properly maintained system keeps your home comfortable, saves energy, and helps avoid costly repairs when the cold hits hardest. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we provide heating and cooling design, installation, and service in Lincoln, Nebraska and the surrounding area. Here’s how you can get your HVAC ready for winter — and why choosing a reliable local HVAC company matters. 1. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up One of the most important steps is to have a technician inspect and tune up your HVAC system before the cold sets in. A professional winter check can include: Inspecting and cleaning the furnace or heat exchanger Checking the blower motor, belts, and bearings Testing safety controls, pilot light (if applicable), and gas connections Verifying thermostat calibration and settings This helps ensure your system runs efficiently and safely when you need it the most. 2. Replace or Clean Air Filters Clogged filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder, increasing energy costs and wear. For winter: Replace disposable filters or clean reusable filters Use high-quality filters (like pleated or HEPA, if compatible) Check filters monthly since heating systems run continuously This small step often yields big energy savings and better indoor air quality.
