Geothermal Energy Installers in San Antonio, Texas
Geothermal energy generation might just be starting, but geothermal energy installers in San Antonio, Texas, have already begun implementing heat pumps at residences.
In a state riddled with climate change and extreme weather impacts, geothermal energy presents an opportunity for Texas to strengthen its energy network and transition to a clean, reliable power supply.
Here’s everything you need to know about installing geothermal energy in San Antonio.
Increasing Pressure on Texas’s Power Grid
Texans have endured volatile weather conditions in recent years due to climate change — and it’s putting excess pressure on the power grid. In 2021, a deep freeze moved snow and ice through the state, sending 400,000 customers into darkness for two weeks.
In the summer of 2023, extreme temperatures broke records, with Corpus Christi registering 107° Fahrenheit, 108° F in Austin and 109° F in Houston. As a result, nearly 13 people died from heat-related illnesses, and about 100,000 people visited the emergency room. Officials expressed gratitude to Texans in August for helping the state conserve energy and skirt grid failures.
The state’s own energy network — the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) — isn’t as reliable as the name indicates. One of its most significant challenges is overcoming congested transmission lines — when the lines cannot move energy from one place to another. This results in overloading and having to cut power to Texas households.
Despite Texans’ calls for more reliable, clean energy amid increasing climate change, the state has failed to deliver on renewables. In fact, Texas has been rather stubborn, refusing to join the federal power grid and leaving Texans in the dark.
What Is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy comes from the earth — a consistent heat source and a promising renewable alternative for residential and commercial power. In Texas, geothermal energy could resolve the state’s crumbling electricity grid.
Installing a geothermal heat pump requires drilling into the ground where the temperatures range from 45° to 75° F — ground temperatures stay warm even if it is frigid above the surface.
Geothermal heat is circulated through a closed-loop, vertical, horizontal, or open-loop heat pump system using water or another fluid. The heat gets carried through the home’s pipes and loops around underground again. You can reverse the system during the summer to cool your home instead.
Each type of system has its own specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. Homeowners can turn to trusted HVAC professionals — with geothermal training — to answer questions regarding their homes’ geothermal requirements.
Does San Antonio Have Access to Geothermal Energy?
San Antonio was recently selected for a geothermal pilot program at the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) military facility. The San Antonio–Electromagnetic Defense (SA-EMD) Initiative will study geothermal energy as a renewable power supply for the state.
The JBSA joins Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, Fort Irwin in California, and Alaska’s Fort Wainwright for the pilot program. The U.S. Department of Defense hopes to explore on-site geothermal energy for a 24-hour generation.
However, Texans in the city do not need to wait for the pilot program to report its findings. Residents can call geothermal energy installers in San Antonio to get started now.
How Much Does Geothermal Energy Cost?
Installing a geothermal heat pump is costly, which is why most Americans have yet to jump on this renewable energy source. However, solar panels were also expensive when they initially hit the market and are now far more affordable and widely adopted.
Installing a heat pump might cost you an average of $17,000 to $32,300 or more — but you must factor in system type, labor fees, and landscaping. A vertical loop system is the most costly unit, running between $25,000 and $40,000.
Homeowners can apply federal tax credits, state incentives, and rebates to reduce costs. You might also be eligible for a 30% tax credit until January 1, 2033.
The immediate return on investment is the upside of purchasing a geothermal heating system. Geothermal energy reduces energy use by 25% to 65%, significantly decreasing electricity bills.
They also have an extremely long life span. Ground loops last 40 to 60 years, and geothermal indoor systems last 20 to 25 years — compared to the 10-to-15-year life span on standard pumps.
Geothermal Energy Installers in San Antonio
Like most places in the U.S., geothermal energy is still in its infancy in Texas. However, residents can still contact reputable HVAC geothermal energy installers in San Antonio to get a geothermal unit. Here are four companies to consider.
Tri-City Air Conditioning & Heating
You want only the experts to install your geothermal unit correctly. Tri-City Air Conditioning & Heating serves San Antonio and the surrounding areas, providing more than two decades of experience and high-quality training on an ongoing basis for all installers and technicians.
Tri-City reminds residents of the benefits of installing a geothermal heat pump. Aside from energy and cost savings, homeowners needn’t worry about fire hazards or toxic odors. A single compact unit can also deliver all their heating, cooling and hot water needs.
Clean Air Heating & Air Conditioning
Many of Clean Air Heating & Air Conditioning’s contractors have over 20 years of experience, boasting exemplary customer service and customized solutions during installation and maintenance.
Clean Air carries Bosch Geothermal and GeoStar Geothermal equipment for your home energy project — two renowned manufacturers with heat pumps made to last. Homeowners can call Clean Air to speak with a representative about their products and services or book a consultation.
Southwest Mechanical Services
Southwest Mechanical Services is one of the top geothermal energy installers in San Antonio, carrying and servicing most geothermal brands and products.
For a limited time, homeowners can receive a $500 rebate on Waterfurnace units in addition to their 30% federal tax credit. San Antonians should contact Southwest Mechanical Services to discuss their current promotion and schedule an appointment with one of their specialists.
Build NATiVE
By the second quarter of 2022, new construction accounted for 32.2% of San Antonio’s housing market. For prospective homeowners interested in sustainability, Build NATiVE has the expertise to bring your future home to life.
Build NATiVE has over 14 years of experience in green home construction in Central Texas — with most homes including geothermal heat pumps to lower energy consumption and costs.
San Antonio residents can fill out the contact form on Build NATiVE’s website and someone will call them to discuss their dream home.
Install Geothermal Energy in San Antonio, Texas
Central Texans can take their power needs into their own hands by calling geothermal energy installers in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. While large-scale initiatives explore opportunities for geothermal energy, residents have access to it now.