Geothermal Energy Installers in Los Angeles
Renewable energy is on the rise, and everyone seems to want a piece of the pie — that’s a good thing, of course, as renewables are our best chance at fighting climate change. Today, a growing number of renewable sources are available, including geothermal.
The transition to renewable energy is paramount for those living out West — where intense droughts and wildfires are all too common due to global warming. Not to mention, the cost of electricity has increased dramatically.
Geothermal energy, although in its infancy, presents another opportunity to save money and deliver a clean energy source to residents and businesses in more costly areas of California. As a result, people are actively seeking out geothermal energy installers in Los Angeles.
What Is Geothermal Energy?
Renewables had a record year in 2021, increasing by 7% to reach 28.7% of global renewable energy generation. While geothermal energy still needs to catch up significantly, doing so could prove exceedingly beneficial to renewable efforts.
Geothermal is heat that comes from below the earth’s frost layer. These energy systems rely on looped pipes that deliver a channel for refrigerants and water. The liquid moves in a cycle, warming as it flows underground before transferring heat into the building — then, it cools and descends underground again.
You don’t need to live next to a volcano to reap the benefits of geothermal energy. Geothermal power plant systems can operate at 250° to 700° Fahrenheit. Yet, geothermal can generate heat between 100° to 300° F and use the ground’s natural 50° to 60°F to cool a structure at only 10 feet below the surface.
Benefits of Installing Geothermal Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy outlines several advantages of installing geothermal energy at your home or business. For starters, geothermal is extracted without using fossil fuels — it also generates only one-third of the carbon dioxide emissions produced by natural gas power plants for electricity.
It’s also a domestic energy source, increasing the United States’ energy independence with around-the-clock availability, even in extreme weather conditions. As the electrical grid’s infrastructure crumbles with age, geothermal’s 90% maximum capacity proves dire. Other benefits include the following:
- Emissions decrease emissions by 44% and can control 50% of indoor humidity
- It uses 25% to 50% less electricity than standard energy systems, meaning ample utility savings for homeowners
- Can be integrated with little-to-no unsightly appearance on the property
Some homeowners may be hesitant to install geothermal heating and cooling because of the price tag — a complete heat pump system could cost between $12,000 and $38,000 — but tax credits and incentives are available to offset expenses.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, homeowners can receive a 30% federal tax credit when they install a geothermal energy system before January 1, 2023. Combined with state incentives and installer rebates, geothermal energy has become more affordable.
Is California Investing in Geothermal Energy?
Although Americans can tap into geothermal energy from anywhere, it is most available in the western United States, such as California, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii and Alaska.
California is particularly keen on expanding its geothermal energy sources. In 2020, the California Energy Commission (CEC) — funded by its Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) — granted $10 million for three geothermal projects, enabling California to generate 100% clean electricity.
The grants will further allow California to ramp up lithium recovery. As more people show interest in electric vehicles (EVs), green construction and eliminating fossil fuels, there’s greater demand for domestic lithium.
Are There Geothermal Energy Installers in Los Angeles?
Residents who want to use geothermal energy must install a geothermal energy heat pump. Calling certified geothermal energy installers in Los Angeles for a quote is the best starting point to fulfill your energy needs.
There are several installation companies in the Los Angeles metropolitan area for you to contact. Everlast Home Builders, Inc. in Studio City has been in business for 11 years and maintains excellent reviews from clients.
Vader Air Conditioning & Heating is another geothermal installation company that serves Los Angeles. Vader has been in business for 18 years and is certified by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) and the Building Performance Institute (BPI).
Residents and businesses can check out the California Geothermal Heat Pump Association’s directory to find other geothermal energy installers in Los Angeles. One member is California Energy Designs, which prides itself on a small but carefully-chosen staff of geothermal energy experts to get clients’ geothermal systems up and running. California Energy Designs is located in Burbank.
Hiring Geothermal Energy Installers in Los Angeles
Before hiring a geothermal heat pump installer, you must consider a few things. For instance, installing a geothermal heat pump requires drilling into the earth — meaning you’ll have to fix up your landscaping and possibly the exterior of your home. Is this something you think you can manage on your own? While touching up your home’s exterior paint is a straightforward DIY project you can do over a weekend, landscaping can be pricey.
Additionally, you’ll want to ask your geothermal heat pump installers essential questions regarding their licensing and insurance. Selecting an installer without the proper credentials may be dangerous to you and your household. You also risk ending up with lesser-quality work.
Always inquire whether the business is licensed, insured and bonded — that goes for any contractors or subcontractors they work with. You can also ask them for references — including previous clients — and thoroughly read their reviews online. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) can provide insight into whether a company is wrapped up in legal implications.
Contact your local utility company if you need help finding a reputable geothermal energy installer in Los Angeles to satisfy your energy needs. They’ll more than likely have preferred recommendations for you to look into.
Clean Geothermal Energy for Los Angeles
California is recognized as a pioneer of renewable energy — yet, we’ve only begun exploring the untapped potential of the earth’s heat. Geothermal energy installers in Los Angeles have the expertise and skill to install a working geothermal system at your residence or business. If you’re considering installing renewable geothermal energy and lowering your utility costs, now is the time when you can receive federal tax credits.