Geothermal systems are being installed in homes and commercial buildings throughout Louisville, from large-scale projects to single-family homes.
The trend is being driven by a 30% federal tax credit and an appetite from climate-conscious consumers to reduce the environmental impact of their properties.
But in the long run, this technology can also lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
The Courier Journal spoke with industry experts and consumers about geothermal systems and what property owners interested in the technology should consider. Here's what you need to know.
Ask our experts
Typically the first step in evaluating the potential for geothermal heating and cooling in a building is a consultation.
A professional will calculate your home’s heating and cooling needs and determine whether there is room for a ground loop (a system that exchanges heat with the earth).
Horizontal loops take up more space on the surface but are excavated shallower, while vertical loops take up less surface area and are excavated deeper.
The larger the building, the greater the heating and cooling capacity. Experts also evaluate the building for “leaks.” Lack of insulation means that heating and cooling systems have to use more electricity to maintain indoor temperatures.
Consider the cost
The biggest barrier to transitioning a building to geothermal heating and cooling is the upfront cost, which in some cases includes drilling into the ground.
Larry Kaelin, who has been in the geothermal installation business for 30 years and is owner of local company Geothermal by Design, said a key consideration for a single-family home installation is time.
“Although the cost of installing a geothermal system can be several times that of an air-source system with the same heating and cooling capacity, the additional cost can potentially be recouped through energy savings over a five to ten year period, depending on energy costs and incentives available in your area,” the Department of Energy says.
If a homeowner won't be living in the house for 10 years or more, it may not make sense to incur the upfront costs of installation, Kerin said.
Geothermal heat pump systems typically require much less maintenance, and the Department of Energy estimates the useful life of geothermal heat pump equipment to be longer than conventional systems.
“You'd buy two of these systems before you buy another one of these,” Kerlin often tells customers during his geothermal sales pitch.
Some geothermal systems can also divert excess heat to meet domestic hot water needs, potentially resulting in further savings, especially in the summer.
Geothermal energy can be combined with other renewable energies
A few years ago, Sam Avery installed geothermal power on his Hart County farm.
Avery, a renewable energy advocate and former solar installer who has a solar system on his farm, said the two go hand in hand and can help with energy use.
“Without geothermal power, I would end up using all of my solar energy to heat my house,” he says. “I don't want to do that.”
Avery had no intention of installing geothermal power when he built his house, but it turned out to be a perfect fit for his property.
While not all homes are equally suited, geothermal is “a very simple technology and it's very adaptable,” he said. “I think it can be used in a lot of applications that aren't being used today.”
Connor Giffin is the Courier Journal's environment reporter. To contact him directly, please write to cgiffin@gannett.com or xtranslator.
