Using a geothermal source for your home's heating and cooling needs is an energy-efficient and eco-friendly way to keep your house comfortable year round. While planning for HVAC installation, there are several factors to consider to make sure your system will run smoothly, meet your needs, and comply with legal requirements. Here are a few of the most important points to look at.

Do:

Check with local authorities before installation.

There are a number of laws and regulations that can affect geothermal heating and cooling installation. These include zoning requirements, building codes, health codes, previous use and contamination of the land, environmental concerns regarding flood plains and other protected areas, and relevant details about the local geography, aquifers, and utilities. Your HVAC contractor should speak with the relevant government agencies to check these factors before they install your system.

Think about the type of system you need.

There are several varieties of geothermal heating and cooling equipment. Open-loop systems freely exchange water with underground sources, while closed-loop systems recirculate the same water without releasing any into the environment. Horizontal designs require more ground surface area, while vertical systems need deeper drilling to accommodate them. Which type is right for your situation depends on the characteristics of your property. Discuss your options with a contractor to select the best system for your home.

Don't:

Forget about installation costs. 

When you're planning for the cost of a heating and cooling system, the equipment by itself is not the only factor. Make sure your budget includes funds to cover excavation, installation, and any landscaping required afterward. 

Skip measuring.

To ensure your planned design will work, your contractor needs to physically measure the depth of the soil and water systems on the property, as well as test the soil quality. Just guessing at this stage or basing your plans on old information may mean your design won't fit the features of the land and will have to be redone.

 

If you want to install geothermal heating and cooling in Chillicothe, OH, choose Combs Heating & Cooling. Based in Ross County, this family-owned and -operated business has served residents for over a decade, during which they've established a reputation for reliability, affordable prices, and efficient designs. To schedule a service appointment, call (740) 772-2233. Visit them online to learn more about their geothermal heating and cooling services.