Buying a Heat Pump? Here’s How to Decide Between Air-Source and Geothermal
Previously on our heat pump installation blog, we dove into a bit of differentiation—the unique things that separate air-source heat pumps from geothermal. While it’s critical to understand these differences as a shopper so that you can give your future investment the care it needs, it’s also vital to know which one is right for you in the first place. Rushing into this sort of investment is no way to create a comfortable home!
Air Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. is here to help. Below, we’ll discuss a few factors that may influence your decision between these two heating and cooling systems.
Where Do You Want to Put Your Money?
Towards a heat pump, of course; that much is obvious. But each type of heat pump requires a different style of financial investment to get up and running—and stay that way—as part of your home’s HVAC system.
As a broad generalization, ground-source heat pumps are more expensive to put in than air-source heat pumps. It’s for a good reason; because part of a ground-source heat pump is (wait for it) underground, there is quite a lot of digging that needs to occur during the installation. The system often makes up for this in great energy efficiency and unbeatable longevity, though, so it’s well worth it.
One heat pump type isn’t inherently better than the other. Take it from the heat pump experts: it’s just a matter of if you want to spend the money on an upfront payment or more slowly, for energy further down the line.
What About Space?
Geothermal heat pumps are big. Really big. While you might not see them once they’re buried, they take up a substantial amount of yard space. You can learn more about the different formats of geothermal heat pumps from the U.S. Department of Energy.
If most of your land is occupied by a septic system, for instance, or you don’t have much of a yard to speak of in the first place, this type of heat pump simply may not be feasible for you. Rest assured that an air-source heat pump will satisfy your comfort needs just as well.
How Do You Plan to Use the System?
Do you want to primarily rely on your air conditioning and just want to use your heat pump for heating, or vice versa? Do you need an all-around heating and cooling system? What role you need your heat pump installation to play affects how much you’ll need to invest in it, ultimately affecting your final decision.
Air Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning Inc: Clean and Comfortable Air, Happy Families
Our Anoka team is here to help with all of your heat pump needs. Reach our office today at 763-753-6623.