Frequently Asked Questions Geothermal

f.a.q.'s » home

 

• Q - How will I save money with a GSHP (Ground Souce Heat Pump)?

A - GSHPs save money, both in operation costs and maintenance costs. Investments can be recouped in as little as three years. There is a positive cash flow, since the energy savings usually exceed payment on the system.

 

• Q -How much does a GSHP cost?

A - The initial investment for a GSHP system is greater than that of a conventional system. However, when you consider the operating costs of a geothermal heating, cooling, and water heating system, energy savings quickly offset the initial difference in purchase price.

 

• Q - How efficient is a GSHP?

A - The GSHP is one of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems available today, with heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners. That directly translates into savings for you on your utility bills.

 

• Q - How safe are GSHPs?

A - GSHP systems are safe and protected. With no exposed equipment outdoors, children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units. GSHPs have no open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.

 

• Q - Can one system provide both space heating and cooling for my home? And what about heating hot water?

A - Yes. A GSHP can be a combination heating/cooling and hot water system. You can change from one mode to another with a simple flick on your indoor thermostat. Using a desuperheater, some GSHPs can save you up to 50% on your water-heating bill by preheating tank water.

 

• Q - How much space does a GSHP unit require?

A - Most of a GSHP installation is underground. Inside the house, the heat pump units are about the same size as a traditional heating and cooling unit.

Flood Victims Alert:

For Immediate Release:

 

Warning for Homeowners of flooded homes.

 

“All flood-damaged appliances should be replaced.” A release from GAMA, An Association of Appliance & Equipment Manufacturers.  “The GAMA warning stems from past reports of accidents.

 

GAMA notes, “Attempts to use equipment with defective… devices can result in fire, flashbacks or explosions. And in cases of electrical appliances, the result can be injury or even death from a powerful electric shock.” “Even when controls appear to be operative, the unit should not be used after floodwater recede.” Devices at risk include Water heaters, furnaces boilers, room heaters and air conditioners.”

 

Furthermore,

 

“The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, (CPSC) is warning flood victims that all gas control valves, electric circuit breakers, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and fuses that have been under water must be replaced to avoid explosions and fires. Even if these safety devices appear to function after being submerged in a flood, they are unfit for continued use and cannot be repaired. They may eventually fail, causing explosions or fires. Other parts of gas or electric appliances that have been submerged such as fans, motors, electric circuits and venting systems should be evaluated by a qualified technician for continued safe operation.“

 

“Gas control valves on furnaces, water heaters and other gas appliances that have been under water must be replaced. Silt and corrosion from flood water can damage internal components of control valves that have been under water cannot be salvaged; they must be replaced.”

 

Homeowners must know that if their Heating Ventilating Air Conditioning (HVAC) system was flooded, turning on the mold-contaminated HVAC will spread mold throughout the house.

 

Haley Comfort Systems has been getting several calls regarding these issues and it’s important for the Public’s safety that everyone is aware. One last note is that Flood Damaged appliances void appliance warranties.

 

GAMA recommends that safety inspections are preformed by a qualified, licensed contractor.