Geothermal vs. Traditional Heating

Whether you own a home or are in the market for one, it's wise to consider which type of heating is most efficient. Learning about the differences in geothermal versus traditional heating helps you make the most prudent choice.

What Is Geothermal Heating?

Geothermal heating uses a ground source heat pump to keep your home or other building cozy and warm. It does this by moving warm air collected from the earth throughout the ductwork. Since the ground absorbs solar energy, it remains at a moderate temperature year round. This results in uniform heat being spread throughout the building and helps eliminate cold spots.

What Is Traditional Heating?

Traditional heating utilizes fossil fuels to heat air, which the heat pump then forces through the ductwork. Since the air in the ducts gets cooler when the heater cycles off, the result is cold spots in your home.

Pros and Cons

Geothermal heating has a higher heating efficiency than other types of heat. The efficiency can be up to 70 percent higher than traditional heating and up to 40 percent higher than traditional cooling systems. Geothermal heating costs more to install, but over time — approximately 36 months — you can easily recoup your losses via lower utility bills. Geothermal heating is quiet, durable and safe, and it helps conserve natural resources.Traditional heating costs less than geothermal heating to install; therefore, it may be the best option for homeowners building a home on a tight budget. If you purchase an older home with traditional heating, you may not have the available cash to install geothermal heating right away. Traditional heating often involves an open flame, flammable fuels and fuel storage tanks, all of which are potentially hazardous.

Talk to A Heating Specialist

If you live in an area that has high energy costs, a geothermal system is almost always the best choice to save you money on your utility bills. But if you're not sure, it's always best to talk to specialist. At Stan's, we're happy to offer our very own home insulation services for homeowners who want to make their homes more energy efficient. Our heating specialists can evaluate your home and tell you if geothermal heating is the right choice for you. Contact us today to get started!