2 Vital Hattiesburg Geothermal Heating and Cooling Considerations

1.     Up-Front Costs vs. ROI

No two ways about it: replacing your present HVAC system with a geothermal heating and cooling system is an expensive proposition. Starting costs here in Hattiesburg tend to run anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 – or more. Lot size, site accessibility, system configuration, ground conditions, and other issues account for that. So too does the amount of excavation that has to be done and what type of ductwork modifications are needed. And if you’re building a new home? It’s not as budget-busting, overall, but it’ll still cost roughly 40 percent more than a standard-issue HVAC system will cost you.

Okay, you wanted the bad news first. Now, for the good news. First, a number of incentives and rebates may be offered at the federal, state and local level to help you bear the installation costs. Second, the energy savings possible with your new geothermal heating and cooling system will help you begin to recoup your initial investment in no time. So you could recoup your investment in as little as four years. But , then again: Local utility rates and the end cost of your installation may hold up full repayment for something like 15 years. Since geothermal systems often last for upwards of 30 or 50 years, though, you’ll still come out ahead. You merely have to determine early on what your finances can withstand … and how patient you are.

2.     Geothermal Benefits Can Easily Outweigh Any Anxieties About Initial Costs

We’ll itemize the major benefits:

  • Compared to conventional heating and cooling systems, geothermal heating and cooling could slash as much as 30 to 60 percent off your heating bills. And it could lower your cooling costs by as much as 20 to 50 percent.
  • Geothermal systems use renewable energy – heat extracted from the ground.
  • Geothermal heat pumps don’t work by combustion, so there are no greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc.) and no fire safety or air quality concerns.
  • Because no outdoor fans or compressors are required, geothermal heating and cooling systems operate much quieter than ordinary systems.
  • The absence of many complex moving parts and the fact that geothermal systems are effectively shielded from the elements pretty much guarantee many decades of low-maintenance, top-performance use. Indoor components may last about 30 years, ground loops, about 50.

Looking for more information on any of these points in order to make a decision about your heating and cooling options? Visit the Hattiesburg geothermal experts at American Air Specialists. We’re glad to help, no matter what you decide.