Energy Availability & Efficiency
One of the most attractive things about a geothermal system is the source of the energy it uses to control your home's temperature. Conventional methods of home temperature modification rely on combustibles, such as natural gas, oil, or propane. All of these energy sources are subject to price volatility based on the supply and demand of the market. Since January of 2016, the cost of residential propane has risen 20%. Since February of 2016, natural gas prices have risen 35%.
Geothermal systems use a small amount of electricity to transfer heat to and from the ground to your home. In fact, it can produce three to four units of energy for every unit of electricity used to power the system. Even the best conventional system delivers less than one unit of energy for each unit it consumes. MN home owners typically experience an annual savings of 50 to 80% when compared to ordinary systems.
Geothermal systems use a small amount of electricity to transfer heat to and from the ground to your home. In fact, it can produce three to four units of energy for every unit of electricity used to power the system. Even the best conventional system delivers less than one unit of energy for each unit it consumes. MN home owners typically experience an annual savings of 50 to 80% when compared to ordinary systems.
Multi-Functionality Brings Greater Simplicity
When you think about it, operating a geothermal heat pump does sound complicated. There aren't many technologies that require an appropriately sized loop system buried underground (or in a lake). However, after the installation, owning and running a geothermal system is exceptionally simple!
With a traditional HVAC system, you're going to have to install, at minimum, two units: one for heating and one for cooling. For cooling, you can choose any number of air conditioners, and then you can opt for a furnace or residential boiler for your heating needs. Some conventional heating methods don't handle the domestic hot water supply, so you may need a separate unit to deal with that need, as well.
With geothermal, MN homeowners only need one unit to handle their heating, cooling, and hot water needs. Massmann Geothermal systems use the same principles that operate a refrigerator or freezer, and the units are just as quiet. There is no unsightly outdoor unit to disturb you or your neighbors.
With a traditional HVAC system, you're going to have to install, at minimum, two units: one for heating and one for cooling. For cooling, you can choose any number of air conditioners, and then you can opt for a furnace or residential boiler for your heating needs. Some conventional heating methods don't handle the domestic hot water supply, so you may need a separate unit to deal with that need, as well.
With geothermal, MN homeowners only need one unit to handle their heating, cooling, and hot water needs. Massmann Geothermal systems use the same principles that operate a refrigerator or freezer, and the units are just as quiet. There is no unsightly outdoor unit to disturb you or your neighbors.
The Short-Term Cost and Long-Term Reward
The initial costs for a geothermal system include the ground loop system (from which there are four options to choose), and the heat pump itself. Prices can vary based on the size of your system, how well insulated your house is, the type of loop needed, and more. If you're only looking at the quote, it's not uncommon for the investment to seem daunting. However, do a little digging, and the benefits are clear and easily attainable!
The first, and most immediate, cost savings will be any federal and local incentives that Minnesotans receive for installing these environmentally-friendly systems. They are often quite substantial and significantly reduce the total investment into the system.
Geothermal systems will produce significantly cheaper utility bills and annual maintenance costs. The initial cost of a geothermal system can be tied into your mortgage or other form of low interest financing option. The savings on your utilities easily cover the increase in your loan payment giving you the extra cash flow. A system will usually pay for itself within a two to five year time span.
The first, and most immediate, cost savings will be any federal and local incentives that Minnesotans receive for installing these environmentally-friendly systems. They are often quite substantial and significantly reduce the total investment into the system.
Geothermal systems will produce significantly cheaper utility bills and annual maintenance costs. The initial cost of a geothermal system can be tied into your mortgage or other form of low interest financing option. The savings on your utilities easily cover the increase in your loan payment giving you the extra cash flow. A system will usually pay for itself within a two to five year time span.
Low Maintenance
In the HVAC realm, a Geothermal system is about as close to a "set it and forget it" solution as you can get. Geothermal systems have fewer moving parts than most conventional methods and, due to their quiet operating noise, can be kept indoors and out of the elements. While indoors, they avoid all the typical grass clippings, cottonwood seeds, rain, snow, and general wear and tear those traditional systems kept outside experience.
This protection gives them a lifespan that is, on average, 92% longer than traditional systems at 25+ years per unit. When properly installed, a Massmann Geothermal system requires little or no maintenance beyond periodic checks and filter changes.
This protection gives them a lifespan that is, on average, 92% longer than traditional systems at 25+ years per unit. When properly installed, a Massmann Geothermal system requires little or no maintenance beyond periodic checks and filter changes.
Peace Of Mind
Owning geothermal in your home offers a unique peace of mind. Unlike gas, oil, or residential propane furnaces, geothermal does not rely on any on-site fossil fuels to heat and cool your home. The system does not utilize combustion or harmful fuels, which eliminates the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, oil and gas leaks, or fires.
As mentioned before, the system is also incredibly quiet. If you get a system that incorporates a variable-speed compressor, it will have the ability to micro-adjust the output of the unit for greater consistency of in-home temperature. Conventional systems are notorious for letting the home's temperature waver from its intended setting and overcompensating, resulting in unnecessary performance fluctuations and the characteristic "ca-chunk" of the system kicking on at inopportune times.
Geothermal homeowners can also take solace in the reduction of their carbon footprint. The EPA states that geothermal heat pumps are the most environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home. Installing a high-efficiency geothermal system is equal to removing two cars from the road or planting an acre of trees!
As mentioned before, the system is also incredibly quiet. If you get a system that incorporates a variable-speed compressor, it will have the ability to micro-adjust the output of the unit for greater consistency of in-home temperature. Conventional systems are notorious for letting the home's temperature waver from its intended setting and overcompensating, resulting in unnecessary performance fluctuations and the characteristic "ca-chunk" of the system kicking on at inopportune times.
Geothermal homeowners can also take solace in the reduction of their carbon footprint. The EPA states that geothermal heat pumps are the most environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home. Installing a high-efficiency geothermal system is equal to removing two cars from the road or planting an acre of trees!
Horizontal Loop:
Installation option when adequate land is available. Horizontal loops are usually cheaper to install when compared to vertical loops. The loop installer uses a trencher or backhoe to dig one or more trenches. Each trench is at least 4 to 6 feet deep and lengths range from 100 to 300 feet, depending on the loop design and application.
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