Have you ever dreamed of a home with an energy and cost-efficient HVAC system?  A home where the temperature is always pleasant and there’s no sight of an AC or a heater? Geothermal HVAC systems make those dreams a reality. Geothermal heating and cooling take advantage of the subterranean temperatures to provide cooling and heating throughout all four seasons.

How it works:
The earth has insulating properties, which makes the underground temperatures be more constant throughout the whole year. Typically, a geothermal system consists of an indoor handling unit and a buried system of pipes that contain water (called earth loops). During the winter, the ground absorbs the sun’s energy which then gets absorbed by the pipes. The liquid in these pipes carry the heat throughout the entire earth loop system into your heat pump, which sends the heated air to the entirety of your house. Essentially, a geothermal HVAC system takes advantage of the underground temperatures and uses them to provide free energy for your home. For the summer months, the system gets reversed: the heat pump removes heat from the building and deposits in the earth.

Why Should You Get a Geothermal HVAC System? 

1. A geothermal heat pump reduces energy costs by 30%-70%! You can typically recoup the cost of the installation through the savings in less than 10 years.
2. They are effective with both cooling and heating, and you can engineer your geothermal HVAC system to require no additional backup heat source if desired. Because it is both a cooling and a heating system, you can cut maintenance costs as there are fewer parts that can break.
3. This system is always producing. Because it doesn’t depend on wind or sunlight but on the stable underground temperatures, geothermal systems are always working.
4. Geothermal HVAC systems are considered a renewable technology: they can move up to five units of cooling/heating from the earth to a building using only one unit of electricity, which means you are reducing your carbon footprint.
5. Geothermal HVAC systems are quiet and, because there’s no outside equipment, neighbors won’t be bother with any noise.
6. The polyethylene piping earth loops can last for generations! The majority and most important components of the systems usually have warranties up to 50 years and they are buried (which means less maintenance!)
7. Multiple loads of heating can happen simultaneously, so you can heat your home, water, and pool at the same time!
8. You don’t need a lot of real estate to place the polyethylene piping earth loops. Subject to the characteristics of the building site, the loop may be buried vertically. Another option is tapping into an available aquifer.
9. Geothermal HVAC systems consume NO water! Actually, when applied commercially, the systems eliminate millions of gallons of water that would otherwise just been evaporated in cooling towers. And, if you use an aquifer to exchange heat with the earth, the water will be returned.
10. New installation practices are reducing the cost of geothermal HVAC systems, making it very competitive with the conventional systems.

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Can I use geothermal technology?
Ground source heat pumps can be used everywhere in the United States! If you are interested in investing in Geothermal HVAC systems, contact Highwood Mechanical Contractors! Trust Highwood Mechanical’s experts and update your HVAC system today. Our team has provided for more than 25 years smooth services in Connecticut, including Fairfield, Middlesex, Hamden, New Haven, and Hartford. Don’t wait to start investing in your Geothermal heating and cooling system!

As the weather becomes warmer, you might be tempted to turn on your air conditioning all day. While it may provide instant comfort against the hotter days, it can also blow your money away quickly. Luckily, there are ways to beat the heat without going broke. These nine tips can help protect your pocket from the summer bills.
 
1.Upgrade your thermostat
Invest on an automatic thermostat! By investing in an automatic thermostat, you can adjust the temperature of your house even when you’re away from it. Set the temperature hotter when the house is empty, then have it cool down when you’re home. Programmable thermostats can bet put on a specific schedule and automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day. With just the touch of a button, your energy savings will add up over time.

2.Location is everything
Appliances such as televisions and lamps emit heat and, if they are located near your thermostat, they will convince it that the temperature is higher than it is. Make sure no extra heat is tricking your thermostat into working harder than it needs to.

3.Install a ceiling fan
Installing an energy efficient ceiling fan in a commonly used space of your house can be a real money-saver. Fans help circulate the natural air flow and can distribute the air conditioner evenly in a room. Just remember to turn the fan off before leaving the house.

4.Cover your windows
Install blinds or curtains that reflect heat. This will help your house keep outside heat out. Another option is installing solar screens or window films. These can intercept the energy coming from outside before it heats up your house.

5.Turn off the AC and open your windows at night
If you live in a climate where it gets cooler at night, consider not using your air-conditioner while you sleep. Once you wake up, remember to shut the windows and blinds to keep the cool air in.

6.Maintain your HVAC system and Air Conditioners
If the air filters on your HVAC system are dirty, the system will have to work harder to circulate air. Don’t forget to replace your filters every few months to keep it running smoothly. The same goes for ACs! Keep them clean of dust and make sure the refrigerant is at proper levels.

7.Protect your home from leaky doors and windows
Check doors and windows for leaks that are letting the cold air escape. If you find any, you can use the same weather stripping and caulk you use to keep heat during the winter to keep the cool air in. If your windows are inefficient, you can also consider replacing them. Even though it’ll be an upfront cost, you can save money over time.

8.Clean your ductwork & vents
Keep your ductwork and vents clear of dust; and make sure they aren’t cluttered with furniture. It is suggested that you vacuum your registers regularly to ensure that dust hasn’t accumulated and that cooled air can enter your home.

9.Reduce indoor heat
​Avoid using the oven when possible, and look for other ways to heat your food.  You can plan means that require minimal prep using the stove top or a microwave. After cooking, turn on the exhaust fan: it will help the heat dissipate. And if it’s nice outside, why not grill! You enjoy the outdoors and save on energy use!
 
Should you prepare ahead for the summer months? Yes! Don’t wait until summer to start thinking about saving money on your energy bill! You might not be able to control the weather, but you can control the temperature inside your house and your air conditioning costs. Highwood Mechanical Contractors is the best way to prepare your home for the summer months in Connecticut. We provide installation, repairs, maintenance and upgrade services for your HVAC, AC, piping, and duct systems. Schedule an appointment with Highwood Mechanical Contractors today!