Raising the Standard Episode 64
Last year, we wrote a blog about rising utility costs and ways to save energy in your home. In 2022, energy costs are continuing to rise, and we have more and more customers looking for alternative ways to heat and cool their home to increase energy efficiency. So what is one of the top ways to cut energy costs? Geothermal heating and cooling systems.
How does geothermal heating and cooling work, and how can it save you money over time? Listen to our podcast, Raising the Standard Episode 64 above or read on for more in-depth information.
What is Geothermal Heating and Cooling?
Geothermal heating and cooling uses heat from the ground to heat and cool your home, in contrast to traditional air conditioners and furnaces that use fuel oil, natural gas or propane. Geothermal HVAC systems are one of the most energy efficient ways to heat and cool your home because they function by utilizing renewable resources without dependency on the utilities mentioned above. Typically, geothermal systems use heat pump technology to use energy from the earth to pump warm or cool air throughout your home.
There are two primary types of geothermal systems: open loop and closed loop.
- Open loop systems are the most energy efficient geothermal option using the natural resource of ground water from a well, pond, or lake to heat and cool your home.
- Closed loop systems use a mix of antifreeze and water which cycles through pipes buried in the ground instead of using fresh groundwater to transfer heat.
The Most Energy Efficient Geothermal Solution in West Michigan?
At BOSS Services, our most energy efficient system that we recommend to our customers is a hybrid open loop geothermal system, called WellConnect. WellConnect is actually a company based right here in Michigan, and they created an open loop geothermal system that uses your own well water to heat and cool your home.
It is a hybrid geothermal system that eliminates the need for an air conditioner entirely, 100% cooling your home all summer. So you will no longer need an air conditioning unit. Yet, in the winter, it is recommended to keep your furnace with this system for extremely cold days as a supplemental heat source. The WellConnect system will provide about 80% of the heating your home will need all year, saving you thousands of dollars over time.
For more information on how this geothermal system works with diagrams, here is a more in-depth blog: https://thebossservices.com/most-energy-efficient-hvac-systems-2021/
What are the Energy Savings from Using WellConnect Vs. Traditional HVAC Systems?
What do the energy savings look like using WellConnect? It can save homeowners anywhere from 50-70% of their heating and cooling costs! From these significant energy savings year after year, WellConnect pays for itself over time and is actually not as expensive upfront as other geothermal solutions on the market. We also provide financing so you can have a geothermal system in your home for a low monthly cost.
We also love a tool on WellConnect’s website, https://wellconnectgeo.com/, that shows you in real time how much you’re running your system. Then you can enter your cost for propane, fuel oil, or whatever your fuel source is, and it shows you how much money you’ve saved.
In addition to significant energy cost savings, WellConnect also lasts longer than a furnace or air conditioner, with a lifespan between 20-25 years versus 10-15 years like most HVAC systems.
How Does this WellConnect System Work?
With this hybrid geothermal system, you need two things: 1) A well and 2) You currently need to heat your home with propane, fuel oil, electricity, or wood burning, and 3) Ductwork or room to add ductwork.
So how does WellConnect work? The well water enters your home from your well, and then passes through a vapor compression process to heat and cool your home. After the thermal energy is extracted and delivered through your ducts, the water is released back into the ground. Then it filters through the soil and returns safely to underground aquifers.
What Type of Maintenance Does a WellConnect Geothermal System Require?
We recommend annual maintenance for geothermal systems just like any traditional HVAC system. It will prolong your system and make sure you’re getting the most out of it year after year to have regular check-ups. Thankfully, you no longer will have an outdoor unit to maintain, like an AC unit, which requires some spring cleaning after sitting outside all winter long. Mainly, with a hybrid geothermal system, you are just keeping the air filter clean and having an HVAC professional flush the water every year or so, similar to how you flush a tankless water heater.
Questions About How Geothermal Heating and Cooling May Work in Your Home?
If you would like a free consultation to learn more about how geothermal heating and cooling may work best for your home, give us a call at 269-468-6682, and a BOSS Comfort Expert will assess your home and provide the best geothermal solutions for your specific needs.
We provide heating, cooling, plumbing, 1-day bathroom upgrades, and windows throughout Southwest and West Michigan as far south as Niles and New Buffalo to St. Joseph and as far north as South Haven to Grand Rapids, and as far west as Kalamazoo and Portage areas. We look forward to helping you save energy with the most efficient heating and cooling solutions possible for your unique situation!
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