One of the great things about this type of system is that it can be used year-round. A geothermal system works by circulating heat between your house and the ground, capitalizing on this natural resource. During the winter, the system will bring warmth from the ground and circulate throughout your house. This is similar to how a heat pump works!
When it’s summertime, the system can be used in reserve. The geothermal system will take the heat from inside your house and move it underground, where it will stay cooler. The fluid that creates this heat transfer, known as cooler refrigerant, will then be circulated throughout your house, allowing cool air to blow through.
Great for the Environment, Better for Your Budget
Did you know that geothermal systems can reduce your utility expenses by as much as 80 percent? That means you get improved comfort at an affordable price—much less than a typical electric or gas-powered system. You can compare your current system to a geothermal system with our savings calculator below.
Some of the advantages of geothermal systems include:
- Significantly reduces your energy bills
- No burning of fossil fuels
- Year-round, environmentally friendly comfort
- Local rebates and tax credits available
- Minimal maintenance and long lifespan
- Quiet, clean, and safe inside your home
Federal Rebates & Tax Credit
The federal government has recognized the environmental and fiscal benefits of geothermal heating and cooling, offering rebates and tax credits to homes that replace a traditional heating/cooling system with a geothermal system. In 2018, the federal government is reinstating tax credits for geothermal heat pump users! Here's how the tax credit applies to systems installed in the next few years:
- From January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020: 26% of the installation cost
- From January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021: 22% of the installation cost
There is no maximum amount of credit offered, as long as it's 26% of your installation fee, and the tax credit applies to any property using a geothermal pump, so you can install a geothermal system in a rental home or a vacation home and still take advantage of the tax credit. It can be combined with other energy efficiency tax credits, and can even be carried forward to the next year if your tax liability isn't great enough when you install your system. The one restriction is that it only applies to Energy Star rated systems, so let's discuss your options and find the perfect system for your needs. We at Aire Serv of Central North Carolina can also help you to save on a local level. We are approved contractors in Duke Progress Energy’s Smart Saver Program. This means that geothermal heat pumps that we install for Duke customers are eligible for a rebate. The sooner you take advantage of geothermal energy, the more you can save on your taxes! You can save on taxes, utility expenses, and get a rebate. Want to learn more? Just give our geothermal heating and cooling experts a call.