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Winter temperatures can dip fairly low in the Northeast. When they do, homeowners need a reliable source of heat to protect themselves and their properties. Without proper heat, not only can family members become ill but pipes in the home also become more likely to freeze and burst. Can geothermal systems achieve this or will you still need an HVAC system for the coldest winter nights?

What Are Geothermal Heat Pumps?

The machines work by relocating hot or warm air from one area to another. In the case of geothermal systems, the machines pull the warm air from the earth. No matter how frigid temperatures are above the ground, below the earth, the temperatures remain fairly consistent. This is one of the reasons geothermal heat pumps are so reliable and energy-efficient.

How Energy Efficient Is It?

One of the main selling points for installing geothermal heat pumps is that they are more eco-friendly than other available options. The EPA estimates that homeowners can save as much as 70% on the cost of heating a home each year. Because it relies on recirculating air already found in the natural environment, it also uses fewer chemicals to do its job.

Are All Homes Suitable for Heat Pumps?

We can install a heat pump in virtually any home in our service area. However, whether it may prove feasible is another concern altogether. Only a professional can inspect your home to determine whether your it is suitable for the installation and what option would work the best.

Does the System Work for Cold Air Too?

One fact that commonly surprises homeowners is that geothermal heat pumps can also keep homes cool. The system achieves this in the same way it provides warm air, i.e., it pulls the cooler air from the earth. This allows homeowners to enjoy a year-round climate-controlled home from just one, effective and efficient system.

Geothermal energy systems do require professional assistance to install. Contact Chesapeake Geosystems by calling 410-489-1712 or emailing us today to learn more. We look forward to providing you with a fair quote and excellent service.

Understanding the Truth Behind Geothermal Myths

Green energy is a popular option, but many people don’t understand geothermal. There are a lot of myths that surround geothermal energy that might have deterred you from considering it. The following myths are among the most common and we would like to set them straight. Once you understand the truth, it will be clear just how beneficial geothermal heating and cooling is.

Myth 1: It Takes Too Long to Install

Installing a geothermal system doesn’t actually take that long. It might be a few months between the initial estimate, the design, permitting, planning, and the finishing touches on installation, but the amount of time the installers are in your yard won’t be longer than a few weeks in most cases. The entire in-person process only includes drilling, trenching, and installation, then it’s done.

Myth 2: It Requires a Large Yard

The ground loop installation of your geothermal system will determine the amount of space required to install. While horizontal ground loops will require a large yard, you don’t have to install that way. Vertical ground loops are another option, and the preferred option if you have a smaller yard.

Myth 3: It Requires Too Much Maintenance

Most of the parts of your geothermal system are going to be located beneath the ground, which makes them less likely to experience damage due to the elements. This can drastically cut down on the amount of maintenance required for your system. While you do need to change the air filters every three to six months and have the system inspected every few years, there’s not much to maintaining the system beyond that.

As you can see, many individuals have concerns when it comes to installing a geothermal system, but the majority of those concerns are due to a lack of education. If you are interested in learning more about geothermal energy and why it might be your best option, contact Chesapeake Geosystems today by calling 410-489-1712 or sending us an email!

Over the past few decades, people have shown a stronger interest in green energy. At first, people waited for governments to take the lead. When they failed to do so quickly enough, private enterprises stepped in to provide infrastructure and push green technology, such as solar.

This then allowed more consumers to step into the green energy market and take initiative themselves. Still, one type of green energy many people don’t discuss often enough is geothermal. Here’s what you need to know about it.

What Is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal may sound like new technology, but it’s actually been around for several years. The process behind it is also fairly simple. There is natural heat beneath the earth’s surface. Geothermal technology allows homeowners to access this to regulate temperatures in their houses. Most people believe geothermal heat pumps only provide heat, but it can cool your home as well.

What Are the Benefits?

For people who are concerned about reducing their carbon footprint, this is an excellent way to achieve that goal. It provides clean and renewable energy with little effect on the natural environment beyond the initial drilling process. Geothermal energy creates less carbon dioxide emissions than natural gas plants — roughly one-sixth.

Geothermal also helps to fill the gaps left by solar energy. The cost of installation for a solar energy system that can heat and cool a home can be expensive. Air conditioning units use a lot of energy. Now, you can use a smaller solar installation for the rest of your needs while relying on geothermal for heating and cooling.

How Long Does It Take?

One of the biggest concerns homeowners often have is how long it will take to install the system. After all, drilling into the earth sounds like a fair bit of work. It takes roughly two days, depending on weather conditions and soil type.

Contact Chesapeake Geosystems

Chesapeake Geosystems provides geothermal HVAC systems for residences in the Maryland and D.C. area. Call 410-489-1712 or email us today for more information.

If you are thinking about installing a geothermal HVAC system, you probably already know many of the benefits. What you may not realize is that there are also tax benefits to the installation. If you want the best savings possible, in terms of tax credits, you will want to install your system as soon as possible. Here is what you need to know about the benefits.

What Is the Energy Credit?

An energy credit is a 30% credit that was reinstated through 2019. You can apply it retroactively to any installation after January 2017. This tax will decrease in percentage over the next few years. Through 2019, it is 30% of your total costs, in 2020, it will be 26% and in 2021, it will be 22%.

What Is Eligible for the Credit?

If your geothermal equipment meets the Energy Star requirements and uses stored energy from the ground, then it is eligible for a tax credit. You can cover the expenses of labor, preparation, and installation. If you have more than one property and system, you can claim more than one. Now, you cannot claim the credit if you spend it on equipment used for hot tubs or pools. You also cannot claim it on rental homes.

How Do You Claim the Credit?

In order to claim the credit, you would have to use IRS Form 5695. You can use this tax credit to offset regular income taxes and alternative minimum taxes. If your tax credit exceeds the tax liability, then you can carry the excess amount for future years.

When it comes to a geothermal HVAC system, you not only have a more energy-efficient cooling and heating system but also you can claim tax credits. To install or repair your geothermal HVAC to take advantage of tax savings, contact Chesapeake Geosystems by calling 410-489-1712 or emailing us today to learn more!

What Is Soft Water?

When there is a low concentration of ions, particularly magnesium and calcium, in the water, it is known as soft water. Where you live depends on what water ends up classified as soft. In the US, water with 60 mg/l of calcium carbonate is considered soft.

Soft water lacks minerals, making it unsuitable for consuming, however this lack of minerals can be beneficial in other ways. Soft water cleans better without leaving behind the residue found in hard water, and the same goes for your skin. Soft water is better on your skin, leaving it cleaner and softer.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is simply water with high mineral content. Hard water forms when water percolates through limestone and chalk deposits. Due to the high mineral content, drinking hard water can have health benefits such as combating, and even preventing, heart disease. Hard water picks up minerals in natural waterways.

Hard water can also have negative effects. For instance, hard water may leave clothes looking dingy, your dishes with spots, and may even dry out your skin. Due to the residue left behind by hard water, it will often decrease the lifespan of your appliances, such as a dishwasher and washing machine. Hard water also uses up more energy, negatively affecting the environment as well as your energy bill.

What Is the Difference?

The main difference is the mineral content. Rainwater is soft water, whereas hard water is water that goes through waterways and picks up minerals. They both have their own sets of pros and cons, for example, hard water is great for drinking and certain disease prevention, but not so great for household cleaning or keeping your skin soft. Soft water may be better for keeping your skin soft and your dishes clean, but when it comes to drinking it, it can lead to several health issues.

Understanding the difference between hard water and soft water can help you make decisions for your own home. To learn more about the two types, and what you can do about the water in your home, contact Chesapeake Geosystems. Call 410-489-1712 or email us today

Central air conditioners can be costly to run and repair. A sudden air conditioner breakdown can be particularly frustrating in the middle of summer. Learn how you can enjoy cool, affordable, and reliable climate control by using geothermal cooling.

What Is Geothermal?

Geothermal heat is the earth’s natural warmth. Below ground, the temperature remains constant regardless of the air temperature. A geothermal cooling unit works by taking advantage of this consistent temperature to cool or heat your home.

Geothermal Cooling Units

A professional geothermal cooling unit can offer you the cool indoor temperatures you need without excessive utility bills. They work by running a mixture of water and antifreeze through pipes buried as deep as 10 feet in the ground. These pipes circulate water from below ground to the surface, thereby creating a consistent water temperature.

In the summer, this temperature is significantly cooler than the air temperature. A refrigerant coil, blower fan, and ventilation system take advantage of the cool temperatures to affordably circulate comfortably cool air throughout your building.

Geothermal Cooling Advantages

While ductless air conditioners are growing in popularity in homes around the area, these systems take the current air temperature and either cool or heat the air. In many cases, this is far less efficient than a geothermal unit.

Geothermal units utilize the constant temperatures beneath the ground, so you’ll enjoy a more energy-efficient system when faced with extreme temperatures in the summer and winter. This environmentally friendly system is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to cool down.

Receive a Quote Today

Don’t wait to enjoy the advantages of a geothermal cooling unit today. Contact Chesapeake Geosystems today to receive a quote and schedule an installation service. Enjoy prompt and professional service as you install, use, and maintain your new heating and cooling alternative. Save money and enjoy years of cool, comfortable temperatures by calling 410-489-1712 or emailing us today!