Geothermal Energy Installers in Delaware
Geothermal energy is an increasingly popular renewable energy source within Delaware. Knowing how it works and the opportunities for using it is important if you’re curious about getting it installed in your residence.
How Does Geothermal Energy Work?
Geothermal energy pulls heat from under the Earth’s surface, using special heat pumps to turn it into warm air. Residential systems consist of buried, liquid-filled pipes that absorb the underground heat energy and distribute it to the home through a forced-air ductwork system. The system also works in reverse to cool your residence in the summer, sending excess heat underground rather than pulling it up.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Geothermal Energy?
People who are seriously considering geothermal energy in Delaware understandably want to know about the advantages and possible downsides of that choice. One of the biggest perks is that your geothermal energy system can last for decades while requiring very little maintenance.
Many homeowners also like that geothermal systems are mostly out of sight, except for the heat pump component inside a basement or garage. All other parts are underground, meaning you won’t notice the required infrastructure, but you’ll feel the effects.
Another significant upside is that geothermal energy lowers your carbon footprint, mainly because it does not require using fossil fuels. A U.S. Department of Energy study also revealed the effects of using this method for mass decarbonization. It showed retrofitting 70% of the nation’s buildings with geothermal heat pumps while making building envelope improvements could lower the electricity demand by up to 13% by 2050 compared to efforts that did not involve geothermal energy.
A potential downside of geothermal is that the systems are custom-designed for your home, and some residences don’t have enough space. Talking to an installer in your area about the possibilities will remove any doubt and give you circumstances to consider.
Some people also balk at how geothermal energy systems cost more than other residential climate control options. If that aspect concerns you, think of the possibility as a long-term investment that will save you money over time. The money-saving potential comes from these systems needing comparatively less maintenance and not using as much electricity as other setups.
A final thing to know is that the geothermal installation may temporarily interfere with your landscaping. Talk to your installer to get accurate expectations about the process and its impact on your home.
What Should You Consider Before Installing Geothermal Energy in Delaware
After learning how geothermal energy works and the main pros and cons, what should you consider about whether such systems will meet your needs? A good starting point is to think about how you can tweak your budget to make room for the occasional maintenance necessities. Although geothermal systems last about 15 years, you must take good care of them.
Change your heat pump’s filter monthly and clean its fan. Then, talk to professionals in your area for advice about how often they should perform more thorough checks. Alternatively, see what the manufacturer of your geothermal setup recommends.
Think about how your household will manage the installation costs, too. Fortunately, that aspect could be more accessible than you think. That’s because the state has several programs offered through its energy providers that make renewable energy upgrades more affordable. The specifics vary based on the chosen incentive, so make sure to learn about all the possibilities before selecting one.
Then, there’s the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, available as a federal incentive. It allows you to receive 30% of the qualifying renewable energy equipment costs. You can use it to make geothermal heat pumps more affordable. Claiming the credit is as simple as filling out and submitting a particular federal tax form for the year the installation occurred.
Will you sell your home within the next several years? Installing geothermal energy in Delaware could attract buyers. The systems are particularly popular with younger or sustainability-minded people who want eco-friendly features. You may also appeal to a broader segment by confirming the average money saved on utility bills per month. Everyone loves opportunities to lower their bills, especially when the necessary equipment is already in the homes they purchase.
How Can You Find Geothermal Energy Installers in Delaware?
Once you’ve decided to proceed with a geothermal energy installation, start by talking to people you know and trust who may have recently gotten similar upgrades in their homes. Many installers who handle conventional air conditioning and heating needs also have geothermal experts on their teams.
Another good approach is to make a list of all the companies in your area — or those serving all of Delaware — that offer geothermal installations. Then, research the reviews for those places and find the main trends reflected in the feedback. If people commonly say the installers exceeded expectations and provided courteous service, those are good signs. It’s better to take plenty of time to learn about the installers rather than rushing the process and potentially making a decision you later regret.
What’s the Process of Hiring a Geothermal Energy Professional in Delaware?
Most of the state’s geothermal energy installers will have a brief phone consultation with you to learn about your needs and expectations. Then, since geothermal energy is site-specific, the next step is to have the professionals visit your property and assess whether you could have a system and, if so, which type.
Make a list of all questions and bring them up in detail to your installer. Be sure to ask things such as:
- How long have you been installing geothermal energy systems?
- How long do you estimate my installation will take?
- Do you foresee any complicating factors that could extend the timeline?
- How will the installation affect my existing landscaping?
- Do you offer financing options to make the installation more affordable?
Getting the answers will help you feel more confident about the professional you hire. Once you choose someone to install your system, they’ll give you more details, such as how soon they can start working. You can use that information to make any necessary changes to your schedule or prior obligations.
Are You Ready to Get Geothermal Energy in Delaware?
Choosing geothermal energy for your home is a major decision that can pay off immediately and through the years. Use the information above to guide your process and determine if now is the right time to proceed.