More and more Dallas, GA, homeowners are beginning to look for ways to minimize their home’s carbon footprint. Part of their motivation is altruistic, recognizing that future generations will inherit today’s environmental problems. Another part is a desire to reduce energy costs as prices continue rising. Choosing an eco-friendly AC solution is an excellent way to reduce your home’s energy usage and carbon footprint.
Geothermal HVAC Systems
A geothermal HVAC system is one of the most eco-friendly ways to keep your home cool. They pair a high-efficiency heat pump with a buried refrigerant loop to cool your home. A geothermal HVAC can achieve energy efficiencies that no other system can match. They can operate at up to 600% efficiency year-round and can heat or cool your home.
That impressive efficiency is possible because of the stable temperatures below the ground. At a depth of between 4 and 6 feet, temperatures hover between 55 and 65 degrees. That’s advantageous because it’s easier to dissipate heat into the ground at that temperature than into the hot summer air. It’s also easier to gather heat to warm your home in the winter.
Geothermal HVAC Advantages
Besides high efficiency, geothermal HVAC systems offer numerous advantages. One of them is longevity. The underground loops of a geothermal system can last around 50 years, while the heat pump itself typically lasts about 25. When the heat pump reaches the end of its lifespan, it can be easily replaced without disturbing the ground loops. Traditional air conditioners and furnaces usually only last 15 to 20 years.
Another benefit of a geothermal HVAC system is that it isn’t affected by outside temperatures. In Dallas, where average summer temperatures have been increasing, conventional air conditioners may experience reduced efficiency as the weather gets hotter. Geothermal systems, however, don’t suffer from performance reductions during extreme heat, as they rely on the relatively stable temperature of the ground rather than fluctuating outdoor air temperatures.
Disadvantages of a Geothermal System
There are two significant drawbacks associated with geothermal HVAC systems. One is their cost. The average cost of installing a geothermal HVAC system is much higher than that of a traditional system. The primary cost driver is the installation of the horizontal or vertical refrigerant loops on which the system depends. The other drawback is that geothermal systems require significant space on your property. Installing your ground loops vertically can minimize the space requirements but will increase installation costs. Additionally, you will need to re-landscape your property after the work is completed.
Air-Source Heat Pumps
The next-best eco-friendly air conditioning option is an air-source heat pump. Like geothermal systems, air-source heat pumps use similar technology, but instead of relying on buried refrigerant loops, they exchange heat directly with the outdoor air. Although slightly less efficient than geothermal systems, air-source heat pumps can still achieve up to 400% efficiency. However, their performance tends to decrease in extremely hot or cold weather.
Air-source heat pumps are available in two main configurations. One is a standard split system, which is physically identical to a typical central AC. It has an outdoor unit and an indoor air handler connecting to your home’s ductwork. The other is a ductless mini-split system. They combine a single outdoor condenser with an indoor air handler in each living space you want to heat or cool.
The Advantages of Air-Source Heat Pumps
Aside from their efficiency, air-source heat pumps offer some other noteworthy advantages. One is ease of installation. If you already have a conventional central AC, installing a split-system heat pump shouldn’t require significant modifications to your home. Mini-split systems, by contrast, don’t need ductwork and are also simple to install. In their case, installation requires mounting the required air handlers on your home’s walls. All it takes is a small hole drilled through exterior walls to connect the outdoor condenser to the indoor units with a conduit, which houses refrigerant, power, and drainage lines.
Air-source heat pumps are also well-supported. Most HVAC companies can handle maintenance and repairs on them, as they’re mechanically similar to standard ACs. That contrasts sharply with geothermal systems, which require significant expertise and experience to design, install, and maintain. Also, almost every major HVAC manufacturer makes air-source heat pumps, so you’ll have no shortage of options.
The Disadvantages of Air-Source Heat Pumps
The main disadvantage of air-source heat pumps is that they won’t always save you money, depending on the outdoor temperature. A heat pump should provide cooling on par or better than a high-efficiency AC in cooling mode. However, they can struggle at very cold temperatures. That can be a big issue since a heat pump takes the place of your heating and cooling systems. The good news is that it rarely gets cold enough to reduce a heat pump’s efficiency in Dallas. However, you may have a high electricity bill following a cold snap.
High-Efficiency Central ACs
If you’re satisfied with your home’s current heating system, a geothermal or air-source heat pump may not be the best option. In such cases, you can choose a high-efficiency central AC system. A standard central AC typically has a SEER rating of 15, while a high-efficiency model can achieve a SEER rating of 20 or higher. Though the difference in ratings might seem small, it translates to a system that is approximately 33% more efficient.
The Advantages of High-Efficiency Central ACs
High-efficiency central ACs offer excellent cooling performance and low energy use. In most cases, they’ll come close to the efficiency of a heat pump but at a lower price point. They’re cheaper because they do not include the ability to heat your home. However, that makes a high-efficiency AC easier to maintain because they are less complex than heat pumps and only run when cooling is needed.
The Disadvantages of High-Efficiency ACs
The only real disadvantage of a high-efficiency central AC installation is that it will only reduce your energy use in the summer. Unless you already have a high-efficiency heating system, your home will still have a relatively high carbon footprint.
Tax Credits and Rebate Programs
Both federal and state incentives are available for homeowners who choose to install energy-efficient systems. For instance, the federal government offers tax credits through the Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit. This credit covers a significant portion of the cost of installing geothermal systems and air-source heat pumps, including related equipment and installation expenses. In addition to federal tax credits, state-level programs offer rebates and incentives to further reduce the financial burden of upgrading to a more sustainable system. These incentives can significantly reduce your upfront costs when upgrading your HVAC system to minimize your home’s carbon footprint and reduce utility bills.
Your Local Efficient Cooling Experts
At Precision Heating & Air, we have been serving the residents of Dallas, GA, and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps, mini-splits, and high-efficiency air conditioners. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
