Geothermal is the most efficient way to cool your home.

Geothermal systems use the constant 50 to 60 degree underground temperatures to cool or heat indoor air.  Geothermal systems don’t burn fossil fuels to create heat and use only a small amount of electricity.  As a result, geothermal systems operate at a fraction of the cost of traditional air-source air conditioning systems.  As a result, more and more people are turning to geothermal systems when building a new home.

And now that technology makes it possible to install geothermal systems in smaller spaces, they are becoming a popular option for homeowners who need to replace their existing AC system.

Geothermal systems consist of three basic components including a compressor unit, an underground loop and the ductwork to distribute the conditioned air.  In the summer, heat is pulled from the home and circulated through the underground loop where it is cooled naturally.  The compressor unit compresses the cool air to a lower temperature which is distributed through the home.

The heat removed from the indoor air can also be used for other purposes such as heating water.

Most residential geothermal applications will utilize a “closed loop” of underground pipes made of high-density polyethylene.  These pipes are inert to chemicals normally found in soil and have the best heat conducting properties.  A water-based liquid solution is circulated through these pressurized pipes to cool or heat air removed from a home.  Well drilling equipment is used to bore small-diameter holes to a depth of 100 to 400 feet.  A standard size lot accessible to drilling equipment is usually sufficient for a geothermal application.

Tax credits and energy savings make geothermal AC systems an economical choice for more and more homeowners.  The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 provides a tax credit of 30% of the total geothermal investment with no cap.  Combined with 60% to 70% savings on electricity costs, homeowners see a quick payback of the difference between costs of geothermal systems versus traditional air-source systems.

Water Furnace systems qualify for the tax credit and are perfectly suited to Texas residential applications.  WaterFurnace International, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional geothermal and water source heat pumps.

Davis Air Conditioning and Heating is the leading Houston installer of WaterFurnace geothermals systems.  Davis AC is an EPA Energy Star dealer with over 30 years in business in the Houston area.

Call Davis Air Conditioning for a free Geothermal Site Evaluation to determine if your home qualifies for a geothermal system.  877-339-8124.  Click on the Energy Savings Calculator at www.davisACgeothermal.com to determine the energy savings you would see with a geothermal system.