Geothermal Energy Installers in Illinois
Over 12.58 million people live in Illinois, and they all need electricity. Hopefully, they will all have sustainable, carbon-neutral power in the near future. It’s possible geothermal energy in Illinois could be a top contender with the most popular options, like solar. Is it viable, and is the state trying to expand its geothermal potential? The outlook is optimistic, especially with a lineup of reliable, trustworthy installers across the state.
What Is Geothermal Energy?
The Earth’s core is 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit, all day every day. Humans have discovered ways to capture that heat with drilling technologies, and that is the essence of geothermal power. People don’t even have to dig very far, because the warmth permeates close to the surface.
Additionally, the heat warms underwater reservoirs, rocks, and land masses, like volcanoes. Areas nearby naturally hot fixtures have a geographical advantage to bank on geothermal energy.
While this may not be the case for Illinois, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t possible throughout the state. The Earth’s core provides heat to the entire planet. Therefore, with a little bit of finessing and geoengineering, everyone can tap into it. The Earth will never lose that fire that keeps it alive, so it is a perpetually reliable renewable energy source.
How Much Does Geothermal Cost in Illinois?
Unfortunately, this is an almost impossible question to answer without considering the installation context. It is better to understand the cost range, then weigh this against influencing factors. Governmental incentives and financing options may also shift the scope drastically.
The average cost of a geothermal system could range between $10,000-$40,000. Why is this such a wide window? These are some of the elements change how much heat pumps and peripherals cost to own and install:
- Land’s energy use
- Square footage
- Amount of drilling and digging required
- Soil conditions
- Land grading
- Private company fees and charges
- Permitting and legal requirements
Then, you have to consider this against tax credits and long-term energy savings. Currently, the U.S. has some available for eligible equipment, giving 30% back on property placed after December 31, 2021, and before January 1, 2033. The percentage goes down to 26% after this and hits its lowest of 22% in 2034. Additionally, you’ll see lower energy bills, so the upfront cost won’t feel as bad if the return on investment makes itself known within the decade.
Is Geothermal Worth It in Illinois?
Is Illinois doing anything to support geothermal expansion throughout the state? Yes. Take a look at Chicago. Community efforts seek to use geothermal to empower communities of color in the South Side. Local initiatives are leveraging money provided by the Inflation Reduction Act to craft community-based geothermal heating and cooling to provide resources to over 100 homes.
Additionally, academics have been hard at work uncovering Illinois’ geothermal potential. The Cypress Sandstone in the Illinois Basin is a point of interest. One of the reasons is because researchers want to repurpose old oil and gas wells to access geothermal power. Modeling demonstrated power would only cost $0.138 per kilowatt-hour, which is lucrative enough to have commercial success.
Finally, smaller, local projects are also taking advantage of the heat. For example, an old church invested in a geothermal pump to overcome the costs associated with installing fossil fuel-based boilers. The effort saved the church $90,000 in air conditioning units and will earn them a 600% efficiency boost in boiler performance because they chose the greener option.
Geothermal Energy Installers Across Illinois
Now that you know geothermal energy in Illinois is a powerhouse of potential, who should you reach out to for your next system?
Geothermal Energy Solutions, Inc.
If you live in and around the Chicago area, this could be the place to start your geothermal journey. Geothermal Energy Solutions has done over 300 projects since the late 1990s, making them one of the more tenured experts in the field. They have worked with commercial and private buildings to give everyone the opportunity to reduce emissions by up to 70% compared to electric heating.
Garber Heating & Air Conditioning
If you’re in the East Peoria region, this is the place to check out. Garber Heating and Cooling offers comprehensive introductory information about heat pumps and why they work for Illinois residents. They also promise a geothermal heat pump can be installed on a new build or retrofitted into an existing home so everyone can enjoy the sustainable benefits.
Hoveln Heating and Cooling Inc.
The Champaign area has geothermal too at Hoveln Heating and Cooling. It provides a long list of facts to help anyone become a resident expert about why geothermal is the next big thing. They promise the heat pumps should last around 25 years and the piping should last well over 50. This means you earn more on your returns from less frequent replacements, in addition to the cost savings from steering away from fossil fuels.
Parker Heating and Cooling
We didn’t forget about the southern tail of Illinois. For anyone living near Marion, this is your provider. Parker Heating and Cooling specializes in geothermal heating and cooling, and they offer 24-hour emergency service for homes. Their staff participates in hundreds of hours of continuing education and promotes the federal tax credits to all customers. With these facts, you know you’re getting transparent, educated workers to treat your property.
Viviano Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Finally, for those living on the western border near Collinsville, check out Viviano Heating and Air Conditioning. They have been family-owned and operated since the late 1980s. Despite their age, they tout implementation of tech-driven tools to help their workers provide the most streamlined and modern experience possible. If you want a company that prides itself in being an industry innovator, look no further.
Geothermal in the Prairie State
Illinois has just as much potential for geothermal energy as many other states. You don’t have to be resting near volcanic regions to bank on the Earth’s natural heat. Geothermal power could be just as, if not more, popular than solar and wind one day, depending on how many people take a chance on it. Will you be one of those people?