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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.
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When the temperatures drop, a broken furnace can quickly turn into a major headache. Before calling for professional help, there are a few simple checks you can perform to potentially identify and resolve the issue. Here are some common furnace problems and what you should check when it’s not working. 1. Check the Thermostat The thermostat is the control center for your furnace, and often, furnace issues can stem from a simple thermostat setting or power issue. Here’s what to do: Ensure it’s on and set to “Heat”: Double-check that the thermostat is powered on and set to the heating mode. Check the temperature setting: Make sure the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Replace the batteries: If your thermostat uses batteries, low power could cause it to malfunction. 2. Inspect the Power Source Your furnace won’t work if it’s not receiving power. Take these steps to make sure it’s properly connected: Check the circuit breaker: Look for any tripped breakers in your electrical panel and reset them if necessary. Examine the furnace switch: Many furnaces have a dedicated power switch near the unit. Ensure it’s in the “On” position. 3. Replace the Air Filter A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to shut down or operate inefficiently. Follow these steps: Locate the air filter, which is usually near the return air duct or the furnace itself. Check if the filter is dirty or clogged with debris. Replace the filter with a clean one, ensuring it’s the correct size and type for your furnace. 4. Check the Pilot Light or Ignition System If you have a gas furnace , your furnace uses a pilot light, which needs to stay lit for the system to function. For newer models with electronic ignition, the ignitor may need troubleshooting. Here’s what to check: Pilot light: If it’s out, carefully follow your furnace’s instructions to relight it. If it won’t stay lit, there could be a problem with the thermocouple. *Most furnaces that are older than 35 years will have a standing pilot light and thermocouple. Ignition system: For electronic ignitions, you may need to reset the system or call a professional if it’s not sparking properly. *Most furnaces that are 30 years old and newer will have an ignition system that either sparks or glows to light the pilot or burners. Try shutting the power off and turning it back on to reset the system and the furnace will try the ignition sequence again. 5. Ensure the Furnace Door is Secure Many furnaces have a safety switch that prevents them from operating if the access door isn’t properly closed. Ensure the door is securely latched. 6. Look for Blocked Vents or Registers Blocked vents can disrupt airflow and cause your furnace to stop working or overheat. Inspect all vents and registers to: Make sure they’re open and unblocked by furniture or other objects. Remove any visible dust or debris obstructing airflow. 7. Examine the Furnace’s Drainage System If your furnace is a high efficient model that vents to the exterior with PVC pipe, then the condensation from your furnace needs to drain properly. A clogged condensate drain line can trigger safety mechanisms that shut down the system. Check: For water pooling near the furnace . If the drain line is clogged or frozen and clear it if necessary. 8. Examine the Furnace’s exhaust pipe If your furnace is a high efficient model that vents to the exterior with PVC pipe, then the pipes may be covered by a snow drift or be frosted over outside. You can check the type that vent out the sidewall and clear the area as necessary. If your furnace termination vent is on the roof then leave that inspection for a professional as roof access is dangerous, especially during the winter. Once the exhaust and inlet pipes are clear, please shut the power off to furnace and turn back on to reset the control board and re-start the ignition sequence. 9. Listen for Unusual Noises Strange noises can signal specific problems: Banging or rattling: Could indicate loose parts or lack of airflow due to plugged filter or vents. Whistling or squealing: Might point to airflow restrictions or a worn blower belt. Grinding or metal on metal scraping: combustion blower/inducer assembly may be failing, or blower motor / assembly may be failing. While these checks can help address minor issues, some furnace problems require professional attention. If you’ve gone through this list and your furnace still isn’t working, it’s time to call the experts. Expert Furnace Repairs and Installations in Lincoln, NE At Custom Cooling and Heating, we understand how important a functioning furnace is during the colder months. Our experienced technicians are ready to diagnose and fix any HVAC issue to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable. Contact us today for prompt and reliable service!
Your garage is more than just a place to park your car or store tools—it’s a versatile space that can serve as a workshop, gym, home office, or even a hangout spot. But whether you're working on DIY projects, exercising, hosting friends, watching your favorite game, or simply using the space for extra storage, one thing is clear: comfort matters. If you've ever found your garage too cold to work in during winter or too hot in the summer, you know how important it is to have a climate-controlled space. Here’s your ultimate guide to heating and cooling your garage year-round. Why Should You Heat and Cool Your Garage? Before diving into the best systems and methods, let’s look at why it’s beneficial to regulate the temperature in your garage: Year-Round Comfort: Extreme temperatures can make a garage feel uninhabitable during certain months. Heating your garage in the winter keeps it usable for projects, hobbies, or even parking your car. Cooling it during the summer ensures a more comfortable space for work or relaxation. Protecting Your Equipment: Sensitive tools, electronics, and vehicles can suffer damage from extreme temperatures. Heating and cooling help protect your investment by keeping everything in good working condition. Keeping items from freezing, having a climate-controlled space for pets, and stored items from sweltering heat are all great reasons to heat & cool a garage space. Increased Home Value: A climate-controlled garage adds usable square footage to your home. Whether you’re using it as a living area, home office, or storage space, a comfortable garage can increase the overall value of your property. Energy Efficiency: Modern heating and cooling systems are more energy-efficient than ever. With the right equipment, you can save on energy costs while still maintaining a comfortable environment. Best Heating Options for Your Garage When it comes to heating your garage, you want a solution that’s effective and cost-efficient, without wasting energy. Here are some of the best heating options: 1. Space Heaters For smaller garages or quick spot heating, portable space heaters can be an affordable option. They’re easy to move and store and come in both electric and propane varieties. However, they may not provide even heating across larger spaces. 2. Electric Garage Heaters Electric garage heaters are an excellent option for consistent heat. They come in wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted versions and are designed to provide steady warmth without taking up much space. Look for models with adjustable thermostats for better control over your garage’s temperature. Pros: Easy to install, low maintenance, no need for gas lines or venting, safe to use indoors. Cons: Can be more expensive to operate than gas-powered heaters. These units typically take a larger 240V circuit which may be difficult to install in a finished garage. 3. Gas Heaters For larger garages or more intense heating needs, a gas-powered heater might be your best bet. These systems are capable of heating bigger spaces faster and more efficiently. Options include natural gas or propane models, both of which require proper ventilation. Many installations are using a low-profile unit heater like a Modine Hot Dawg . Pros: More energy-efficient for larger spaces, lower operating costs compared to electric heaters. Cons: Installation can be more complex, requiring gas lines and venting. 4. Infrared Heaters Infrared heaters provide heat by directly warming objects and people in their path, rather than heating the air. These are great for spot heating and will quickly raise the temperature around you, making it ideal for a garage that doesn’t need to be uniformly heated. Infrared heaters can be purchased in electric or gas (natural or LP) models. Pros: Energy-efficient, fast heating, no need to heat the entire space. Cons: May not be the best option for large, open garages. Ventless infrared heaters are also against code in many municipalities. 5. Radiant Floor Heating Radiant floor heating involves installing electric or hydronic heating systems beneath your garage floor. This option provides consistent heat by warming the floor and allowing the heat to rise into the space. While it’s more expensive to install, it offers a luxurious level of comfort, particularly in cold climates. Pros: Even heat distribution, comfortable, energy-efficient in the long run. Cons: High initial installation costs and must be completed before concrete is poured.
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